Archive for the ‘iPhone’ Category

Own The Screen

July 7th, 2010 1 Comment
Image representing iPad as depicted in CrunchBase
Image via CrunchBase

Recently, I was thinking that the concept of “owning the screen” is a smart strategy to go after.

For example, let’s look at Apple. They are redefining smartphones, and now  introduced the 4th screen, the iPad. So it’s just a matter of time before Apple goes after the other two screens: PCs and TVs

Apple does well selling computers, but I think it should go after the TV screen next. It has a much brighter future than PCs. Now that Google showed its hand with Google TV, I expect Apple to make a move to TV in the near future. It’s not inside knowledge from Apple, just a hunch. Plus a few articles appearing on the blogosphere that say this may be forthcoming (check the links down below).

Now that Apple is dominating the mobile and tablet “screens”, it can go after the hardest screen of all: TVs.

TV’s aren’t just for watching TV. Television sets are just the biggest screen in the home now. Although many people say consumers don’t want the Internet on their TV, I think they’re not looking at the future.

How will Apple do it? Will it be a version of its Mac Mini? Or Apple TV? Or some new product? Some people are even saying Apple will release its own line of Internet-connected HDTVs. I’m not sure, but I think going with retail, like a set-top box is a difficult market in the U.S. Getting Apple products and services embedded into connected TV sets seems like a better way to go, with less risk. Google will test the market with Google TV this Fall, so perhaps Apple can afford to sit a wait for a bit.

But it’s clear that Apple’s TV strategy should be far more serious and less hobbyist. Apple investors don’t want the company to sell products that are for hobbyists. They want mass consumer adoption and blockbuster sales. Can Steve Jobs deliver? Can Google? Or will another company emerge?

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Posted in Apple, Interactive TV, iPhone Tags: , , , , ,

AIM Gives You Unlimited Texting

July 1st, 2010 1 Comment

As you may know, I’m in Rio right now. And I decided that I won’t use my iPhone on this trip at all because of the high price of international data plans and voice calls when abroad. So essentially, my iPhone is now an iPod Touch.

When I landed in Rio, I made sure I to turn on “Airplane Mode” so I wouldn’t have any surprises in terms of data charges. When I traveled to Hong Kong and London recently, I got hit with lots of charges for data and voice/text so I wanted to save some money this time. I’m already a heavy user of Skype, especially for international calls, so this isn’t a huge adjustment for my iPhone or laptop.

However Skype doesn’t have an instant messaging feature. It can send texts to cell phones, but it charges about 11 cents for each text. And that can really add up.

The hotel I’m staying at has Wi-Fi for a reasonable price, so I’m using that for Internet browsing and phone calls. However, I still wanted a way to text my friends and family back in the states. All the methods I researched didn’t have a great way to keep in touch.Other services allow you to chat with friends (like Facebook or even Truphone) but both sides need to have the app installed and be connected.

I wanted a chat-like instant message system that could be “always on”. I also wanted it to connect to a number of different instant message systems, including AIM, Google and text messaging. And I found the solution in AIM for iPhone.

Just click on an AIM contact to send free, unlimited texts directly to someone’s cell phone.

With AIM, I can use it for regular instant messages with other AIM users. However it also allows for texts to your iPhone contacts for free. After importing your contacts, you just click on a contact to send free, unlimited texts directly to someone’s cell phone.

Yes, that’s free. And you can stay logged in as long as you like. When someone replies to you, you receive it as an AIM message, not a text. Thus, you avoid text charges and can stay connected in real time to anyone.

One important note: some hotels charge you for each device that is using Wi-Fi. So if you have a laptop and an iPhone, you’ll be charged twice the daily Wi-Fi rate. I discovered this when I was in Hong Kong and logged in from both devices and was stuck with a higher than expected Internet bill.

However, some hotels allow you to log-in by your room number which means you’re only charged once no matter how many devices you have. (Clearly, I prefer this method since it seems most fair for travelers.)

So, the beauty of using AIM for iPhone means I can chat with my Google Mail contacts, AIM friends, and anyone else via text messages. All for free. (I’m pretty sure you can’t send picture mail though, but that’s ok.)

My iPhone tends to log me out of the Wi-Fi connection at the hotel (since it requires a log in and authentication) but it doesn’t take much to log back in when I turn my phone back on. At least I can be connected with the world, as long as I have Wi-Fi.

When I want to make a voice call, I use Skype (on my iPhone or laptop) which has worked great.

Of course you can’t always have Wi-Fi available everywhere you go. If I leave the confines of my hotel, I have to hunt out Wi-Fi signals. But it’s a great alternative to high phone bills and expensive international data plans.

Posted in iPhone Tags: , , , , , ,

Any Movie, Any Time, Any Where

May 14th, 2010 2 Comments

For years, consumers have been promised the ability to get any movie on demand. Years ago, Time Warner Cable tested a video on demand (VOD) system in Florida, but that fizzled.

Not just any movie, but any time and anywhere. And of course, on any device. But we’re still a long way away from that goal.

Today, consumers piece together their own solutions. They buy Tivos, iPads, iPhones, Sling boxes, Xbox 360s and many other devices in order to get a full digital media experience.

But it seems that there are always missing links. For example, there’s still no simple way to watch Hulu on your TV screen. Because it uses Flash, Hulu isn’t available on most connected TVs and set-top boxes.

Any Movie, Any Time, Any Where. At your fingertips.

While I was at the IPTV World in London in March 2010, I saw a demo of a yet to be released set-top from Amino that had an Intel chip, a real (not embedded) Linux operating system and full Internet browsing.

Yes, that means you can watch Hulu on your TV. And anything else on the Web. It also comes with HD tuners for over the air broadcasts, which are popular in the UK, and DVR functionality. Additionally, the box came with its own very pretty UI which made it easy to browse through Internet content.

Amino’s Freedom box was really a demo, and not yet available for purchase, but it really showed me that technology isn’t a barrier–it’s legal issues.

And perhaps cost. No doubt the Amino box is more expensive than typical boxes, since Intel chips are usually pricier compared to others that are in existing set-tops. The fact that Intel is pushing its way into the set-top world was pretty significant too. Of course, Google is reportedly launching Google TV sometime later this month, so hopefully they can enable Flash (and Hulu) and full Internet browsing also.

Tivo had a great chance to once again become a major disruptor with its new Tivo Premiere box. But generally speaking Tivo Premiere has had lackluster reviews online. Tivo could have really brought the Internet to early adopters and shown the rest of the industry what could really be done with an innovative interface and a mix of TV and Internet content. But instead, Tivo Premiere just looks like a software update, not an entirely new product.

Last year, I was at a trade show and heard a speaker talking about the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem (DECE) initiative that Hollywood is pushing. Essentially, DECE is trying to figure out the next digital media format after Blu-ray. Since Blu-ray hasn’t been selling well, the industry needs to think of the future. And the future is digital.

DECE is looking to create an entire ecosystem (via digital rights management, of course) for purchasing, renting and downloading movies. Unfortunately Apple is not included in DECE, although they’ve been invited. Clearly, this looks like an initiative to build an alternative iTunes Store, and take away Apple’s dominance in digital sales. It’s clearly a case of ABA: Anyone But Apple.

Apple probably doesn’t think it needs to join the group, but if it did, there might finally be one universal format for digital music and movies, rather than Apple’s proprietary files. And maybe DECE could be a good alternative to iTunes. So far, DECE has been moving really slow, and I haven’t seen much momentum.

Oh, one other un-popular thing about DECE is that they are focusing primarily on recent Hollywood hits, not the long-tail content. Going after the low-hanging fruit is OK, but I think they would have greater success going with long tail content. In my personal experience, I’ve been happy watching NetFlix’s long tail content for weeks, while waiting for new releases 28 days later.

Tivo Premiere just looks like a software update, not an entirely new product.

VOD via Cable and IPTV Operators still isn’t very popular. But I think consumers are getting used to watching TV shows at anytime, much like they are accustomed to watching movies at any time with VOD and DVDs. In fact, Cable Providers have started a marketing push (called Movies on Demand) to promote VOD among their customers.

I guess we’re still a while away until we see the promise of “any movie, anytime, anywhere, on any device.” But I am enjoying the ride.

Image courtesy of SM3287

Posted in Apple, Blu-Ray, DVDs, Google, Hollywood, TV, Tivo, iPhone Tags:

iPad Introduces the Fourth Screen

April 9th, 2010 No Comments

You probably are familiar with the term “three screens.” It essentially means bringing together content into the three main screens in our lives:  PC, mobile and TV. Many companies, like AT&T and Verizon, have a three screen strategy for allowing consumers to watch shows on any device.

Apple's iPad

However, it’s just a strategy at this point. Very few companies are converging the three screens.  Some of the U.S. cable companies are trying this with the TV Everywhere initiative. However, TV Everywhere is seen as just a way to retain cable dominance and not a way to bring about three screen convergence.

But bringing together the three screens is what IPTV is all about. Using IP to deliver content, opens up the possibility to send it via IP to other devices like mobile phones or PCs.

Just when three screens seems enough, we now have a new one with Apple’s release of the iPad last week.

Welcome to the era of the fourth screen.

The iPad is a new type of device. Not quite a computer. Not quite a smart phone. Not quite a portable media player. Not a TV set.

However it can do any of those things.

After selling about 350,000 iPads this week, it seems like it’s only a matter of time that consumers take to a new 4th Screen. Amazon’s Kindle had a chance, but it just doesn’t do enough to make it useful for many consumers. And portable DVD players seem quaint when compared to the ipad. Of course, other tablets will come but Apple deserves the credit for creating the new screen and doing it right.

Bonus: In Hong Kong, telco PCCW has been using a home media tablet for a few years now. It’s called the Eye 2 and it is popular among consumers.  It is a portable home media device, with Wi-Fi, 8 inch screen, and the ability to watch TV shows and music.

(Image from Willowm)

Posted in Apple, IPTV, iPhone Tags: , , , , , , ,

Why I’m Not Buying an iPad

April 3rd, 2010 1 Comment

There’s a lot of talk this week about iPads. In fact, today is the first day that Apple is selling the iPad in their stores, and I’m seeing a lot of people tweeting about waiting in line. It all sounds fun and exciting.  I almost wish I could be there.

But the main reason why I’m not getting an iPad is that it’s a want, not a need. I don’t need an iPad, other than for fun, or bragging rights. Sure it would be nice to have one on the first day, but I don’t think it’s anything I need to have.

I’m really happy with my iPhone, and my MacBook Pro. (Yes, I converted from Windows just a few months ago.) And I will get an iPad eventually. It’s just not a priority.

I wonder if other people also have this feeling. If so, sales might be slower than some expected. Although from the buzz on Twitter and blogs, it seems like iPad frenzy is in full swing.

I think iPad 1.0 will be for early adopters. People with disposable income. And other nerd types.

Then, these people will be the ambassadors for iPads. They will show everyone else what the iPad is for, and how good it is. It’s just like when the iPhone was released.

Anyway, not sure I can hold off from buying one, but I do know that it won’t be today.

Posted in Apple, iPhone Tags: , ,

The iPad Ushering in the Cloud

February 2nd, 2010 No Comments

There were a lot of mixed reviews when Apple introduced its new iPad device. Some people liked it; others hated it. After initially believing that the iPad was nothing new, upon reflection I think that it will bring about a few things that will change computing and technology forever.

For starters, there are cloud-based services. Remember Apple’s acquisition of Lala? I think it’s fairly obvious, that Apple is going to be putting your music in the cloud in a future iTunes update.

All your media, anytime, anywhere.

For example, when you buy a song from iTunes, you’ll be able to download it to your device, but also access it over the Internet. So it won’t really matter if you have an iPhone or iPad with just 8 or 16GB of storage. You will be able to access all of your music over the Internet. And hopefully, even all your videos, photos, etc., through MobileMe.

All of your media, anytime, anywhere. That’s the promise of Internet-based services.

The second thing that will change is the availability of Internet-enabled Computers. Having Wi-Fi on a laptop is great, but it’s not the same as having 24/7 access to the Internet.

I learned this after visiting my parents in NYC two weeks ago. I had my iPhone and my MacBook Pro but my parents don’t have broadband Internet. So I had no Wi-Fi network and no Internet on my laptop. I was able to access the Internet via my iPhone, but my laptop felt pretty useless. I never realized how small my iPhone really was compared to my 15″ laptop.

In fact, I’ve found myself constantly searching for Wi-Fi hotspots, whereever I go. If I’m driving in a new neighborhood, I always look for cafes and wonder if they have free (or even low-cost) Wi-Fi. Looking for a Wi-Fi hotspot is a lot like looking for a phone booth. It’s inconvenient, hard to find, and you need to pay extra. Having 24/7 Internet on my iPhone is great, but I also want it on my laptop. Sure, it would be better if AT&T allowed me to tether my iPhone with my laptop, but having a built-in 3G connection is even better.

I’ve been pricing broadband USB cards for my laptop, and they generally are the same price no matter which provider you choose (Sprint or Verizon). In particular, I think the Mi-Fi device is the way to go, since it uses the wireless 3G signal and creates your own personal Wi-Fi zone for up to 5 devices. Prices for the Mi-Fi box is anywhere from free, to $99, while monthly service is about $60.

Conceivably, the price of computers may come down if they are subsidized by wireless carriers like AT&T and Verizon. Plus, paying for your laptop’s 3G service can be expensive, but I think prices will come down over time.

So, I think the iPad is beginning the trend of Internet-enabled computers. The iPad’s usefulness drop about 50% without an Internet connection. Same with any other laptop.

Posted in Apple, iPhone Tags: , , , , ,

I Just Rickrolled Myself

December 10th, 2008 No Comments

You know what getting Rickrolled is, right? It’s a bait and switch tactic, where people believe they are clicking on a legitimate link that someone sent them, but instead you see the video for Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up“.

In essence, geting Rickrolled is a mix of great expectations and utter disappointment. And, of course, a really cheesy 80s song. 

For those new to Rickrolling, I beseech you to read the Wikipedia entry because it has some fun factoids (18 million people have been Rickrolled so far!), and other examples of real life Rick Rolls. (For example, the New York Mets held an online contest to vote on the new song for 7th inning stretch, and of course, Rick Astley’s song came up the winner)

Anyway, how I came to Rickroll myself.

I was playing around with the Ocarina, a flute-like instrument on my iPhone. In order to play it, you have to blow into the iPhone mic and use the touch screen to open and close “holes” to play notes. It’s relatively easy to play, but since I’m just a music amateur, I decided to visit the company’s forums in order to find some new songs to play.

Since the forums are a community, most songs are transcribed by regular Ocarina users. So far, I’ve found gems like the Star Wars theme, Moon River, and El Condor Pasa, an old Andean song. The forums are busy and it’s all user-generated songs, so you have to rely on the generosity of others

So I found a song to play. And I’m not proud of the song choice. It was “My Heart Will Go On“, the song from the movie Titanic. Ok, I realize it’s not the greatest song in the world, but I was really interested in playing the intro to the song, since the original was a flute solo.

I settled in front of computer, grabbed my iPhone Ocarina and started to play the song. Very quickly, I was stymied. The notes I was playing didn’t sound like the flute intro. But I kept on hitting the notes as transcribed.

As I was about halfway into the song, I finally was able to put together what song it really was.

It was “Never Gonna Give You Up”. I was Rickrolled! Worse, I Rickrolled myself! Argh!

Although I stopped to laugh at myself, and this new way to RIckRoll, I finished playing the song, really got into it and am now trying to learn how to play it from memory. So there!

Posted in Online music, iPhone Tags: , , , , ,
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