I have often wondered what was up with the buzz and GSM phones. No, not the iPhone buzz and Apple deciding to choose a GSM carrier. The questions regarding the feedback from interference that these devices sometimes generate. Yes, my blackberry has been the cause of a few disturbances!
Many thanks to one of our diners who emailed me an article by Jamie Lendino of Smart Device Central. Enjoy!
Congressional Internet Caucus Exhibition Tomorrow
The Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee will be holding the 10th Annual Kickoff Reception and Technology Exhibition in the Hart Senate Office Building, Room 902, from 5-7 PM tomorrow night. The event is free, and will showcase technology from 25 demonstrators, including Google, Skype, Sling Media, Microsoft, and Network 2.
Network2 is a TV guide to independently produced web-based shows that was developed by Jeff Pulver this past fall. Jeff announced on his blog today that he is holding his first internet video contest, with a grand prize of $25,000. He is asking for submissions of internet TV shows or videoblogs that deal with “How to Watch Internet TV” and mention Network2. If you get a chance, it may be interesting to stop by and chat with these guys at the exhibition about where internet TV is headed.
There are currently two bills that have been dropped in the Senate which would allow unlicensed devices to operate in the Television white space. White spaces are unused broadcast TV spectrum between 54MHz and 698 MHz. One bill is championed by Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Smith (R-OR). The other bill by Senator John Sununu (R-NH).
The FCC (in October 2006) ruled that fixed low power devices will be allowed to operate on TV channels in areas where those frequencies are not being used for TV or other incumbent licensed services. For instance, the FCC took out Channels 14-20 – those channels are used by public safety in some major metropolitan cities. The major issue – that these bills seek to remedy – is allowing access to this spectrum before the DTV transition is complete (the FCC said after the transition – February 18, 2009). Continue Reading »
Netflix evolution – the sequel
This is a great article by David Pogue of the New York Times. He gives us the “quick and dirty” regarding Netflix’s new Internet service – Watch Now.
Will folks in the diner try it?
I’ve talked a lot about how internet video is going to effect politics and campaigns in the next two years. In this morning’s Washington Post, Tim Craig writes about Virginia Assembly Democrats, who are filming committee hearings and other events in the Virginia Capitol and posting them online in an effort to create accountability when voice votes are taken. This raises the question: does vlogging have the potential to impact not only politics, but policy? It will be interesting to see how this issue develops in the home state of George ‘Macaca’ Allen.
Random thoughts from the Kitchen….
A few months ago, I attended a networking event at Johns Hopkins University (Washington DC campus). The event was focused on alumni (both undergraduate and graduate – I am an MBA graduate) who work in government or related fields. One of the panelists held a high position in the Administration and he gave some great advice without telling the usual story of how he/she became a success. Accordingly, I thought I would share a few of his points for folks in the diner. Enjoy…
(1) “Don’t be a partisan hack” – His point was (if you have a political job etc) when the day is over have a drink with friends on the other side of the aisle.
(2) ”Learn something you know nothing about”
(3) “Learn your substance”
(4) “Exercise your brain” – He recommends to his students (he is an adjunct professor) playing chess.
(5) “Read things you don’t agree with”
(6) “Work the phones – if you have an interest in a particular field – contact the experts”
(7) “Be Global”
(8) “Have a life!”
Internet Video Campaigning, continued…
A few weeks ago, I weighed in on the emergence of internet video campaigning in the ‘08 elections. Since Edwards’ announcement on YouTube, Clinton and Obama have both come out with similar videos announcing their intentions to run.
I applaud all three for capitalizing on the growing popularity of internet video- it is a great political move that will resonate with an essential demographic. Their efforts also help to give weight and credibility to internet video as a medium and a news outlet in general.
Nonetheless, I maintain that internet video campaigning, which is both inexpensive and easily dispersed, will not sustain over the next 22 months as a controlled entity. These fabricated videos of Edwards in jeans connecting with the people of New Orleans and of Hillary seated on a flowery couch in a cozy living room will not be the ultimate picture of internet video campaigning in ‘08. While I agree with others that this will be the YouTube Presidency, I don’t think that the internet video revolution will continue to be so malleable and controllable, and I certainly don’t think it will always work in candidates’ favors. As Susan Estrich predicts in a recent article, “The internet will decide this election. Whoever figures out how to use it best, whoever is helped most or hurt least by its reach, will win.” I think we all have alot to look forward to in terms of the kinds of videos we can expect to find their way to the internet from the campaign trail…
What do people in the diner think: Will this be a politically profitable medium? Does it speak to the viability of internet video as a campaign tool that only Democrats have employed it so far? Are Republicans missing out?
“Take-out Special” – Alx Klive’s WorldTV blog
I wanted to give a shout – “across the pond” – to my pal Alx Klive. Alx has a blog dedicated entirely to worldwide Internet TV and broadband video. There is a great deal to cover in this arena, but I know he will deliver.
In his most recent column, he discusses the potential impact David Beckham could have on American soccer with his recent signing with the LA Galaxy. I know many folks in Washington who have never been to a DC United game who can’t wait to see Beckham play when he comes to town…. On an additional note, I wonder if the excitement could help propel mobile video in the states (some mobile operators abroad had some success with World Cup coverage last year).
Alx – any thoughts on that one?
Enjoy the WorldTV blog here.
The Inconvenient Truth – Google wants to own the Internet
There is one dish that we did not want to serve here at the Mobile Diner — Network Neutrality. We didn’t want to serve it because the rhetoric surrounding the issue in Washington has reached extreme levels. I also didn’t want to engage in an issue that has a passionate following in the blogosphere as well (and I respect those views). However, it is becoming clear that this issue is not going away, could drag in the wireless industry and will be on the minds of policymakers this Congress and beyond. In fact, Senators Dorgan (D-North Dakota) and Snowe (R-Maine) have already offered their legislation from the 109th Congress.
David Farber and Michael Katz discussed the issue on the opinion page of the Washington Post this morning (find article here). I share their initial point that enacting network neutrality will leave the web frozen at web 2.0. The thing they missed was who benefits from a frozen Internet… Answer – Google. Continue Reading »
Mobile Ads- What will consumers tolerate?
In yesterday’s Wall Street Journal, Amol Sharma delved into the developing world of mobile web advertising and explained some of the ways advertisers and carriers alike are trying to capitalize on the rapidly growing mobile web market. As he points out, while there are a number of strategies currently being developed and tested, no one mobile web advertising model has yet emerged from the pack as being superior. As phones begin to replace not only standard computers but TV’s as well, tapping into this revenue stream will become a priority for both start-up advertisers and those tried and true advertisers who are and will continue to lose revenue from standard advertising models. But more so than the question of how mobile advertising is going to be profitable, carriers and advertisers need to ask themselves which models consumers are going to tolerate. Continue Reading »
Sprint’s announcement last week that 2007 revenues will be flat is disappointing. The news is disappointing because I believe that Sprint’s vision for wireless in the long run is good (for instance, utilizing all technologies 3G, WiFi and WiMax to deliver broadband everywhere). However, it will be interesting to see if shareholders can keep their patience with the company as it works out its kinks and struggles to keep pace with AT&T and Verizon. Continue Reading »
Netflix has announced that they will allow subscribers to stream movies and television shows directly to their computers. This will be the first phase of the company’s vision to deliver their service to any device that can access the Internet — eventually expanding the service to cellphones.
Obviously, this is an effort by Netflix to preempt what is coming down the road. The ability for a consumer to download a movie instantly without waiting a day or two for a movie from Netflix to come in the mail. By transforming with the times, Netflix hopes their 6 million consumers will stay with them.
More on the Netflix news here.
Kudos to Rob Pegoraro of the Washington Post who found some interesting technologies at this year’s Consumer Electronic Show (article here). However, the real problem with the show was it was outshined by the Macworld Expo in San Francisco. Rocketboom (last Thursday’s episode) did a great job demonstrating the difference between the shows — watch it here.
Most of the tech coverage and blogosphere focus last week was the hype leading up to Macworld (whether or not there would be an iPhone launch etc.) and about the phone after the Tuesday morning keynote. The news then dominated the mainstream media all week.
I think Apple has served notice to other shows in the same regard. Big is not always better and the same keynote speakers – every other year – are not going to generate buzz. For instance, Bill Gates has been talking about owning the home experience for years. Boring…. Continue Reading »
“Hit the Road Jack” – AT&T to disconnect Cingular logo
The FCC’s approved merger of AT&T and BellSouth gives AT&T full control of Cingular Wireless. Before the merger, Cingular was owned by two parents – SBC (now AT&T) and BellSouth.
Cingular has done a fantastic job integrating the AT&T Wireless network. The carrier is the nation’s largest wireless carrier and has generated much buzz with the recent introduction of the iPhone (set for debut in June). With regard to advertising, $500 million was spent introducing consumers to “Jack” after Cingular acquired AT&T Wireless in 2003 (find article here). Cingular followed that campaign with it’s “raising the bar” campaign.
Is the AT&T decision to can “Jack” a good one? What new slogan would you recommend to the AT&T marketing team?
Please keep it clean!
More on this dish here.
Cracked-Out of Pocket: A new trend in smartphones?
The Wall Street Journal recently published an article delineating 12 steps to help Crackberry addicts wean themselves from the need to check their email compulsively. Some are helpful, if not a bit scary, such as number 3, which recommends that people, “Commit to stop emailing while driving (even at red lights), walking across the street or doing anything that requires careful attention.”
Then there is number 11, which suggests that, in an attempt to separate your mind from work in the evening, you should “pour a cocktail.” Is the Crackberry problem really so damaging to our minds and personal relationships that habitual drinking should be viewed as a positive alternative? If so, Blackberry users and the companies who employ them may be in need of some serious introspection. Continue Reading »
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