Summary: Now we have a new form of convergence: social networking and (cable) TV. Not a bad move. Verizon announced two new “products” in its “social TV” initiative. One is a set of widgets that enable viewers to connect with other viewers through various social networks—while watching TV. The second enables viewers to watch user-generated content from certain websites. One more step in convergence. Of course, it is a bit like the Zeno’s Paradox of digital convergence. You could also say: It’s about time. (Full disclosure: We also posted this at globalstrategic.wordpress.com)
Through its FIOS TV service Verizon is taking a few bold steps towards digital convergence. First, Verizon will create an application store with widgets developed together with some notable social networks—Twitter, Facebook, Veoh and a few others. So, a FIOS subscriber can follow tweets they select from a list—including the programming they are watching. They can log into Facebook (but not yet Twitter) to update their profile as to what they are watching at that moment. An SDK will be launched soon.
The second new product permits a subset of subscribers to start searching and viewing UGC from certain video sites, including Veoh and Blip.TV.
So What?
Well, it is another step closer to digital convergence. Using TV programs to tweet is an obvious stimulus to that convergence, when you consider how often TV shows are the subject of tweets. Tweeting about these programs is of course nothing new and these widgets do not (yet) enable tweeting through the TV. What it doespermit is to enable a viewer to see whose twitting what and when.
So that’s why it’s like Zeno’s Paradox. Remember: Walk halfway across the room, the half the remaining distance, then half the remaining distance—and so forth. This is a little like that: closer, closer, closer, but not quite there.
But the move is just the first and we can expect more. The application store will propel developers to pay attention to crossing the chasm between the TV, the PC and the mobile phone. Think about it: Twitter is (largely) phone-based and Facebook is (largely) PC-based-platform. This appeals to the developers. FIOS competitors will figure out their own way to merge social networks with TV programming.
OK, now the gears are churning. Think of characters using Twitter in the programs—and they are matched by Twitters available to FIOS users. And so forth.
Stay tuned.
Flash (not Gordon) in Your TV in 09
April, 2009
OK, file this one under “convergence in the home.”
At NAB, Adobe announced that they were working with partners to get Flash into home TV sets, with sales of such units to start later this year.
Snore, you say?
Well, it is quite a movement forward.
1. Flash drives about 98% of all video on the Web (e.g., YouTube).
2. It is a lot easier to make content in Flash than it is in most other authoring tools. Hollywood likes that.
3. True multi-platform migration (create once, distribute over many platforms) becomes possible.
We often under-estimate the importance of tools; this one brings us closer to the mantra:
Any content any time anywhere any platform.
Repeat that twenty times as you go to sleep.
And get out those “Flash for Dummies” books now and polish your skills. Hollywood will find a shortage.
Mobile TV to Include Over-the-Air Simulcasts
February, 2009
One more step towards true convergence:
The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) has announced plans for 60+ stations in 20+ cities to start simulcasts of OTA programming by the end of 09. Cities scheduled thus far include New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, DC and Philadelphia.
This should boost sales of the iPhone and other devices with large screens. Imagine the opportunity now with WiMax being deployed—conversely, imagine the network overload.
Hollywood Pros to Post on YouTube?
January, 2009
The William Morris Agency just cut a deal with YouTube that will enable YT to display professionally-produced videos–presumably with the famous actors in the WM stables. We like this idea: In fact, it’s about time. Here’s why:
1. Low production quality is he standard on YT; it will be good to see something worth seeing.
2. Almost paradoxically, that which is of good (production) quality is the copyrighted material from the studios–i.e., professionaly-produced.
3. The problem with the material mentioned in #2 above is that most of it is pirated–or at least no one is getting paid for it.
4. This (and their other deals with the studios) may actually make some money.
5. Besides, YT is a good platform–now it can get better.
6. Oh yes, I forgot: YT now has credible competition in this space. Hulu.com.
