A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our other blogs: Motorola Mobile TV DH01: Media Experiences 2 Go Motorola MPEG-4 Set-Top Boxes: Media Experiences 2 Go Motorola WiMAX Displays at CES: Media Experiences 2 Go Motorola Cable Modem with DECT Phone System: Media Experiences 2 Go
Our model is that we don’t want one Netflix-branded box, we want to see 100 Netflix-capable boxes. We want to be embedded in high-def DVD players, Internet games, dedicated set-top boxes, a wide range of options
Given much of the speculation leading up to this point, I’m somewhat surprised they’ve decided to create a Netflix service rather than their box. However, the strategy makes a lot of sense in limiting risk and maximizing exposure. After all, which companies (other than Apple) wouldn’t want Netflix on their Internet-connected television devices?
LG is up first, and has targeted Q2 2008 for delivery of a Netflix-enabled STB. No other details regarding functionality or pricing were made available at this time. No specific details on video streaming pricing were announced either, though the assumptions (Reuters, AP, NY Times) seem to be that the Netflix streaming service would inherit the current web-based model – either a specific number of viewing hours based on dollars spent monthly, or unlimited content.
It’s time to look back on the year that was, and perhaps speculate a bit into 2008. Overall, 2007 was evolutionary in the consumer electronics space… More folks upgraded to digital HD televisions, embraced DVRs, and downloaded content (legally or otherwise). There wasn’t much new in the way of technology or trends that really moved me.
The only game changing hardware has been the iPhone. Apple’s success proves there’s a market for thoughtfully designed convergence devices. They’ve also proved smart phones need not be limited to the business and geek crowds – the mainstream is willing to partake (despite the cost). Apple has also done a nice job educating the market as to what more advanced handsets offer — good for all players. Once they fully commit to the Apple TV platform, I expect similar success (for them and that segment) next year.
As far as game changing trends, some the major labels (EMI, Warner) have started to line up behind DRM-free music — perhaps to address the cries of their (former and potential) customers, perhaps to stop the bleeding. Probably both. I expect we’ll see more of this next year… in audio. Video is a different sort of animal and that model won’t work. However, Hulu has also broken new ground – by bringing together many studios in one place to offer free-with-commercial-advertisement cross-browser web streaming of both current and classic (not always in the good sense) television shows. We’ll see both of these trends continue in 2008, as the studios and networks more fully embrace the digital marketplace. To protect and monetize their assets.
Unfortunately, 2007 brought no clarity to the next-gen high definition optical disk battle. For a few months, it appeared Blu-ray might be taking a commanding lead. However, the HD DVD camp bought relationships with two additional studios (to the tune of $150 million) and sharply discounted hardware pricing. So I’m back to my original theory that both formats will coexist indefinitely – studios intent on maximizing their earning potential will ultimately produce titles in both formats. And the slow adoption of players will continue until they do.
On the interesting tech front, the Amazon Kindle and Eye-Fi got my attention. Though, it’s yet to be seen what sort of long-term impact these products may have.
I’ve done the bean bag thing. I’ve even done the rocking gaming chair thing. While those were relatively comfortable, I could use something a bit more sophisticated in the living room. Which is why the Jump Seat Ottoman, announced yesterday by Salamander Designs, is quite appealing. When closed, the Jump Seat would allow me to … Read more
First Wal-Mart killed their DVD rental service, and now they’ve shuttered their video download site – prior to it even graduating from beta. Wal-Mart’s eight online customers probably aren’t too upset as they can still: play your videos as many times as you wish on the computer you used to download the videos. I wasn’t … Read more
Initially offered to new customers, Netflix has started providing select, existing subscribers unlimited online viewing. I’m not sure this would be economically viable for Netflix in the long-term… However, I can’t imagine them rescinding the feature once received. Also notable, Netflix’s online library now exceeds “6000 familiar movies and TV episodes.” Possibly related, on December … Read more
The Financial Times reports that Apple and 20th Century Fox have inked a deal to offer movie rentals. In order for this development to be meaningful, two things have to happen: Implement on-box Apple TV ordering Round up additional studios I see both as inevitable – it’s just a question of timing. Most studios haven’t … Read more
Mari’s in town visiting family, so we met up at the Starbucks to share our newer gadgets. Here’s some of the gear we had on hand:
Flip Ultra Video Camera – I believe this was a holiday gift to Mari and what we used to spontaneously film our table. It shoots an hour of 640×480 video for $150 and includes USB plug – no cables required. Interestingly, the Flip has onboard video editing software (which we obviously didn’t use) that runs on a host computer (Mac or PC). I can see many folks making the quality compromise in exchange for the ease-of-use and convenience of this device. Seems like a perfect gift for kids, too.
Navigon 2100 – This GPS unit was a Black Friday gift to myself. MSRP for the unit is $249 and traffic service runs another $99… Thanks to Staples, I picked it up for just $99 total. Both the exterior and the UI are visually appealing, though interface efficiency and number of POIs doesn’t compare to the Tom Tom One or Garmin Nuvi units. But I’ve got text-to-speech. And traffic!
Monster iFreePlay – Another one of Mari’s gifts. The iFreePlay is a stereo headset that an iPod Shuffle clips right into, losing the wires. I’m a fan of smart designs like this (it also folds up compactly), though I can’t say I’m a fan on MP3 players without displays.
Vudu remote – I brought along the Vudu remote for Mari to check out. I’m still digging the contours and scroll wheel for menu navigation. However, rewind and fast forward functionality could be implemented much better. I’d also appreciate IR (rather than RF) and buttons to map for television volume. Actually, the wheel would make a nice volume control.
Zoom H2 Handy Recorder – Mari needed a podcasting tool, and Brad Linder had a suggestion. She hasn’t opened this gift from her husband yet, but I assume we’ll literally be hearing from her in the near future.
Phones – I had three phones in my backpack, plus one in my pocket. Comes with the job! On the table were the Motorola Q 9m and Nokia N95. Mari helped me acquire this Windows Mobile Moto handset, but she’d never actually seen it. The Q 9 variants have some of the best mobile keyboards. The Nokia N95 offers just about every feature (other than a keyboard) and is surprisingly light for its size. Nokia released a firmware update about two weeks ago which I haven’t gotten around to installing yet…
