Should cellphones be technology agnostic?

Google makes some interesting points as they seek out an opportunity to join the wireless fray. Televisions work with any cable provider, computers work with any high speed provider, why shouldn't any cellphone work across any wireless provider. This open model approach had it been in effect today would have caused the Apple iPhone to be available across all wireless platforms.

So what does Google have to gain from an open architecture. The initial answer is advertising to into the wireless platform and the the consumer might gain with reduced wireless fees for more messaging. Perhaps also, such openness would enable more applications to be built that could more effortless tie in the pc and the phone. As Google doesn't have a cellphone or pc to sell, owning the consumer on multiple screens may prove more lucrative than we may think. It be interesting to learn what else is up Google's sleeves.

Google continues to lead the convergence revolution and it will be fascinating to see if the FCC will approve Google's wireless license. Their argument is a good one and seems in the consumers best interest. But can the wireless industry move down that path?

Study: Broadband Viewing Up, But Not Affecting TV

There is an insatiable hunger for more video on the web and this study, commissioned by Nielsen for NCTA, confirms that fact. And while interesting to know, the fact that there is more video on the web than ever before seems to make the above conclusion seem way too obvious. Of course usage is up!

The fact is that most content available on the web today is short-form, snack-size bites, to feed that viewing hunger. It would be more interesting to learn when during the day this video is consumed and what the preferred length of a video on the web was viewing. I recall in the VOD universe, most free on-demand viewing occurred outside the prime time window, and most longer content, i.e. movies, tended to be watched during prime time. In the case of broadband video, it would be interesting to learn what percentage is viewed during the work day, and what percentage in other dayparts. And will that information, which I am assuming will show a disproportionate amount of viewing during the day, cause companies to restrict the viewing of video on company computers.

While better navigation and search are imperative to user satisfaction, how user behavior changes with the advent of longer video on the web will also be interesting to analyze. The convergence of the web with the cable box and the ability to move or stream content to a preferred viewing device, tv vs. pc, may be necessary to lead that behavioral change.

Sony website focusing on professional video only

An interesting move by Sony to rename its website and to change its strategy to show professionally produced video instead of showcasing amateur clips. While TV has always had an "America's Funniest Home Video" type show, You Tube has cornered that arena on the web. Sony's belief seems to be that it will be easier to sell more ad spots on a site featuring emerging professional filmmakers.

My question is - what does Sony have going for it that will encourage viewers to visit their site verse other sites that already cater to this genre. The Sony brand does not represent a filmmaker home. Mention the Sony brand and TVs and cameras come to mind, not movies. And the newly named Crackle brand has absolutely no brand to connect with nor existing relationship with filmmaking; perhaps, the site should have been renamed Sony Pictures or the company they had previously acquired - Columbia Pictures -to connect more to their business and communicate a brand value associated more closely with film. While I believe the future of video success on the web is professionally produced content, it has to be in the right context and with a brand connection that resonates value.

In addition, the user is being inundated with lots of videos from so many sources. And given the low cost of entry, more videos are on the way. The consumer can bookmark a few of their favorite sites, but ultimately, many videos get quickly lost. What we need is a single website that quickly and easily aggregates all these video choices and can help search through the growing library and make some suggestions based on my viewing behavior. Lets call it TVGuideBlinkxTivo.

Streaming content vs Downloaded content

I had an interesting conversation this week with someone about the two formats. In our conversation, his technology clearly differentiated between content that is sent for live viewing or listening but not retained by the user and content that is sent as a batch file for use whenever. As a technology, they are two very distinct ways to send content, but for the user experience, the layman may not know or even care how they receive it only that they are capable of watching or listening to the content. It certainly matters if you are trying to retain ownership for that content and don't want to let loose a version that can be copied and shared. And while technology is trying to blur the line so that streaming content can be retained and held offline, for now, the differences bring different opportunities and challenges. Does the non-techie know or care, they don't. I doubt they could tell you how they receive it. But they will tell you if the content is worthwhile or not. At the end of the day, it is still content that is king.

TV Guide for Sale

So News Corp needs to raise some funds and TV Guide needs a new parent. Considering the in-roads TV Guide has made with cable operators, I wonder if TIVO would make sense as a buyer. With TV Guide, you get the cable channel, magazine, and its electronic program guides. You also get better access to the consumer to push the TIVO brand. For TIVO, you could enhance the capabilities of the TV Guide with the strengths of the TIVO guide. Perhaps too, it would help TIVO get even more access, beyond their current arrangement with Comcast, into the cable DVR set-top box with other MSOs. It seems there might be a terrific synergy in combining the assets of these two companies to become the pre-eminent cable, tv interactive search experience.

FCC Tunes In on Sirius-XM Merger

An interesting issue for the FCC to ponder, allowing two competitors to merge, and with it a potential monoply created. Whether there are two or just one satellite radio choice, the pros for allowing outway the cons. A merger would mean that one satellite company would provide access to each company's respective exclusives: NFL, MLB, Howard Stern, Martha, etc. And the consumer still has the ability to choose other car entertainment options including free radio, cds, ipod, etc. The cons, no competitor could mean price gouging. Monopoly or oligopoly, price is ulttimately controlled by demand and there is still choice.

But as technology keeps marching forward, so does choice and the advent of Direct TV to the car and other future possibilities should be considered. I say let the merger go forward and let the free market prevail. That's my 2 ¢.

VOD Networks

A couple of my favorite niche networks - on demand - bite size programming to satisfy your daily viewing hunger...and each day, a new video to enjoy.

Wallstrip - with an interview with Comcast's Amy Banse.




From NextNewNetworks - Channel Frederator

Live Earth is Here

Lucky day - - 07/07/07 - - and while I normally talk about the changing entertainment landscape, let us take a break to remember that we live with limited resources for us and our future generations to use. It is time to act and while Going Green sometimes sounds like a buzzword, its implications are important.

So as we use all our wonderful entertainment and communication devices, iPhone, Blackberry, cable, etc, remember to help conserve. Disconnect chargers when complete, turn off lights when not in use, turn down the A/C just one degree, recycle, etc. The more we all do now, the more we all make our planet a better place to live.

iPhone scores a big Win

No surprises, the Apple iPhone exceeded all expectations. And for those willing to wait a day, the lines receded and there were plenty of phones still available to purchase. Still, it was interesting to note how many people were willing to purchase an iPhone and contend with the AT&T service; so the next data to look for is how many of those buyers switched carriers to get AT&T, how many came from AT&T already, and how many didn't want to deal with the number portability issue and may be carrying two phones at the moment from two different services.

One recent article suggested that hackers are hard at work seeking ways to bypass AT&T and stll use the phone features; others contend that this is all a huge plot by Steve Jobs to own the wireless market. They point to his dominance with the iPod as proof. I had a chance to play with the phone and it is a beauty to behold. But like the iPod, first generation will begat second generation will begat third, and it should all occur relatively quickly. Get the bugs out with AT&T, blame them when the phone doesn't work properly, then fix the problems and offer the iPhone to the better service carriers. As Apple keeps improving upon its design, dominance is assured.