I tend to spend more time here talking about content and service providers who are changing the "TV" game (or adapting to changes), especially going "over the top". This week, I've seen a flurry of media coverage related to technology companies releasing new products and services that may (or may not) further enable the reinvention of TV that is taking place before our eyes. I thought it would be helpful to summarize some of this news this week and, more importantly, look at how new OTT technologies might impact the ability for small-mid sized or independent content distributors or OTT service providers to enter into or expand their own OTT service strategies.
Intel TV "OnCue" (?)
Wall Street Journal did an article this week about Intel's plans for a streaming device with a "catch-up TV" service that allows users to "rewind" live TV channels, going back at least 3 days. The idea is that users won't need worry about recording programs if they can just go back and watch anything on Intel's device. Not sure if this is a game-changing service on it's own, but it will be interesting to see if Intel uses this platform to secure it's own content rights or even produce/secure exclusive programming to become an OTT service provider. In any event, I don't see any sign yet that the Intel OTT-TV platform will provide a 3rd party developer ecosystem that would enable independent distributors or service providers to reach their viewers via the Intel device. Possibly operators could view this device as a value-added service to provide to their customers, in addition to or as alternative to DVR.
By the way, Endavo already delivers multiscreen catch-up TV services (48hr lookback) for Dubai Media, launched last month. This service is available for our clients today.
Google Chromecast
Google got a lot of buzz this week after unveiling its $35 Chromecast device last week, which is already sold out. This is Google's 3rd try at getting to the TV and maybe this time they got it right - time will tell. As for what Chromecast does and what makes it different, it's not a standalone OTT-TV platform like Roku and it's not just a device for mirroring what's displaying on your tablet or phone, like Apple's AirPlay. Rather, Chromecast allows users to navigate programming from participating content providers on a smartphone, tablet or PC, and then play the video on a TV with an HDMI port occupied by the Chromecast. Once a stream is started, the device used to queue up the content is freed to be used normally (or as second screen), as the Chromecast then streams the video directly from the Internet using an architecture built on the platform behind the Chrome browser and operating system. WSJ did a review of the device if you want to check it out.
I am not quite sure yet if Chromecast is a game-changing technology, but it is interesting especially for $35. It certainly rides (and maybe pushes) the trend of more people interacting with their mobile devices while they are watching TV, especially tablets. I am not sure yet how independent content distributors or service providers can use this technology to further their OTT strategies, unless Google is going to open Chromecast to independent developers who want to enable viewing video programming from their websites/apps on the TV through Chromecast. That could be interesting way to get OTT video services to the TV - right now I believe the best ways are on Roku or just via AirPlay. We'll be looking into this more as the Google ecosystem, especially Android OS, is an important OTT player.
Microsoft Xbox
Microsoft is positioning its Kinect platform to enable voice and motion recognition for broader home entertainment purposes. Through Xbox One, due out this fall, it's expected that users can navigate available programming by commanding the Xbox to "Go to ESPN" and the system will respond. Also, some Xbox apps can be used while watching TV, such as Skype. So, again, not sure this is "game changing" stuff, but it does point to the investment being made in the paradigm shift that is occurring in how consumers access TV and media. Xbox has not been an extremely friendly platform for smaller, independent content distributors and service providers to try to get on, so I'm not too sure how much all this matters to the smaller OTT player, but we keep our eye on the Xbox since it represents such a significant installed base. My son says gamers buy game consoles to play games, not to watch TV.
In other recent Microsoft news, they finally announced the September 30 shut-down of MSN TV, which was the successor to WebTV. Not sure too many people care....
I would really like to see the Smart TV and OTT-TV device players open up more to 3rd party developers. I don't want see a "free-for-all", as I appreciate and value a controlled user experience, like Apple manages via their iTunes store for iPads and iPhone, and Roku manages closely for their platform (but too bad Roku doesn't allow independent int'l content). Among the platforms in the news this week, maybe Chromecast is indie OTT's best new chance.
That's how I see it. What are your thoughts?
Paul D Hamm
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