Connected TVs are emerging to be more valuable than even 3D. Manufacturers are building sets with wireless and wired connectivity to the web while at the same time streaming media is finding spots on guides of various set top boxes. All this while cable operators push to keep their cable subscriptions growing.
For younger audiences, more entertainment is happening through their XBox, Playstation and Wii gaming boxes. And streaming media companies like Hulu and Netflix are attaching their subscription services to these boxes. "According to a new survey and projections by Strategy Analytics, the connected TV player will sell 4 million units this year to capture 32% of the streaming media player market. The media player market includes competitors such as the Roku and Boxee boxes."
And while the first generation of Apple TV boxes haven't caught on yet, hope is on the horizon with a next generation Apple box incorporating its cloud service and app connectivity with iPads and iPhones. "But more importantly, the AirPlay feature in iOS allows the mobile devices to move media to the TV from the devices and allows the iPhone or iPad to serve as complementary screens." And of course the rumor that Apple will manufacture its own television set. I also hope that Apple improves the remote control experience and perhaps includes Siri in the set top and TV set.
The XBox game controller is also a more adept device in enabling search choosing what to watch. And consumers that own a gaming device may not see the need to buy another set top box controller. Still the Apple appeal should never be minimized. The TV set in the home is becoming more a centerpiece for viewing and interacting with content.
Competition for alternative ways to connect to the web is growing rapidly; at the same time, cable operators are doing nothing to make their cable boxes more user friendly. As more meaningful content moves over to web devices, the threat of cord cutting becomes much more pronounced.
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