Ubiquitous Television… and Internet
Ken McCarthy has just posted some interesting news about the migration of television. First it was obviously on the television, then it hopped to the Internet, and not it is heading back to the television again.
This week, Tivo announced that its customers will be able to view video content off the web on their television sets.
I love news like this because it’s a sign of the future happening as we speak.
I’m particularly excited by this other news:
Apple announced it has partnered with major airlines to let passengers power their iPods in flight and watch iPod videos in their seats.
This is an early sign of truly portable computers (computers that we can carry in our pockets). IPod videos are currently a bit pathetic because of the small screen, but when you can plug it into something of a decent size it makes a whole lot of sense. So essentially you have your videos always available in some form wherever you are, but when you find a screen, you can plug it in.
It’s not difficult to make the connection between iPod videos and fully functional computers. You can check your email wherever you are, but when you find a connection point you suddenly have the bonus of a big screen and a keyboard. I think video may be the one to drive this.
A final quotation from Ken McCarthy:
My prediction: When all this finally shakes out, every TV will come with a broadband connection and an easy search console that will enable users to search the Net and find the exact programming they want without leaving the living room sofa.
If they’re going on a trip, users will be able to insert an iPod-like device into their TV, grab the programs they want for the road and where ever they are - in a hotel room, on a plane, in an airport or train station, on a cruise, or the back seat of a car - they’ll be able to plug their video storage device into any video player and watch what they want.
What you want to watch - when you want to watch it - and the one I don’t here as often, but will be equally as important - where you want to watch it. That’s the future of video.