iPhone 4S and Siri

by Aanarav Sareen

After much hype, supposed leaks and predictions, Apple announced the iPhone 4S. No iPhone 5, just the iPhone 4s. Many people are disappointed that the company didn’t rename the 4S to a 5. Frankly, for Apple, that’s not much of a surprise. They did the same thing when they went from the iPhone 3G to the 3GS. The device looked the same, but the internals were brand new.

While most of the upgrades in the iPhone 4S are standard — newer camera, faster processor, etc., the biggest improvement of the device is Siri.

Apple purchased Siri a while ago. Between that time and yesterday, not much had been done with the product. However, Apple revamped the application and made it part of the core functionality.

And, frankly, it is impressive.

It recognizes accents and it learns who you are.

For those claiming it’s voice recognition technology — they couldn’t be more wrong. It is much more than that. And it will continue to evolve over time. Voice recognition technology is good for dictation and not much else. On the other hand, artificial intelligence (Siri) is a complete game changer.

As far as rest of the enhancements go — meh. Not big enough.

Review: Apple TV

by Aanarav Sareen on October 11, 2010

The television set-top market is expanding rapidly. Just over the past week, we’ve seen 3 major players revamp the space with drastically different solutions.

These companies are Google, with their Google TV product (review), Roku with its 3 boxes (review) and Apple with its revamped Apple TV.

The new Apple TV is an aesthetic departure from the first generation. It’s smaller, does not contain a hard drive and is priced at less than $100 (by a penny).

Given the Logitech Revue and Roku variations, the Apple TV is a disappointment with a huge potential.

Unlike the first generation Apple TV, the new device does not come with a hard drive. It’s meant to sync directly with an iTunes library and rent or purchase content via the iTunes Store. The new device also has a Netflix app that allows users to view their ‘Watch Instantly’ content.

Other than the Netflix app, the reduced size and lower price point, the new Apple TV does not offer much over its predecessor or its competition.

However, the true potential of the device can only be realized with the un-announced Apple TV app store.

While signs do point towards a potential announcement, the Apple TV in its current form and features is an inferior device than both the Roku and the Google TV.

First Impressions: Google TV and Logitech Revue

by Aanarav Sareen on October 6, 2010

After months of anticipation, Logitech Revue, the first Google TV device is now available for pre-order. Starting at $299.99, it offers a wide range of options and features. The primary goal of the device is to connect web content with premium content and deliver it on “the biggest screen in the house.”

With the increasing competition in the digital set-top box market amongst Roku, Apple TV and now a slew of Google TV devices — the market is already starting to get cluttered. Is Google TV a step above from Roku and the Apple TV? Depends. Let’s take a look at some of the top-level features for the Logitech Revue:

Content:

At launch, the Logitech Revue features content from Amazon Video on Demand, Netflix, Pandora and a few other premium content providers. Apart from premium content, the device can also access content via Google Chrome, which is built into the device. This allows users to view content from any website. Given that the Logitech Revue supports Flash Player 10.1, it is possible to view content from Flash enabled websites. As of this point, Hulu has not announced support for Logitech Revue.

Search:

Since the Revue is powered by Google TV, search is one of the key features on the device. Search can be accessed at any point allowing users to browse content from any attached computers, connected DVRs or the web.

Calling:

The Logitech Revue features video calling. However, to enable this feature, a user must purchase a compatible Logitech camera and the end user must be using the Logitech Vid HD platform. Given the popularity and adoption rates of Skype, it is surprising to see that the Revue does not support Skype, yet. At this point, video calling is simply a premium feature with limited use.

Conclusion:

Given the price point and the initial limited feature set, it’s hard to recommend the Logitech Revue for general consumers. Very few features of the Revue are ground breaking original. Nearly all features of the device are available on other boxes — TiVo and Roku. Given that this is the first revision, it’s still a good step forward. For wide adoption, the price point has to reduce significantly.

Disputing Technology

by Aanarav Sareen on October 4, 2010

Technology has come a long way in just the past 5 years. Companies like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have not only changed the way we do business and communicate, but these companies have also created entire economies. Today, there are thousands of social media consultants (good, bad and terrible) as well was hundreds of social media advertising agencies. By creating new technologies, entire ecosystems have come alive.

The same applies to mobile platforms including the iPhone and Andorid. These platforms did not exist a few years ago. Today, they’re thriving and are the future of communication

Despite innovation, there are people who choose to complain and dispute the benefits of technology. Ask anyone in the media and entertainment space and they will say that these advances are tools. They are.

Just like you can use a hammer to build or destroy a house, these new tools can be used for good and bad.

Often times, it’s hard to distinguish good from bad because a certain technology hasn’t been fully developed and nor will it ever be. Technology evolves. Companies need to evolve with them.

I have the privilege of working with some of the best media companies in the world. Often times, my advise to them is simple – try. Some initiatives work. Others fail. But, until someone tries, you won’t be able to determine the good from bad.

If a company the size of Google can experiment in it’s own domain with failed products such as Wave, media companies can and should experiment outside their core space. If it doesn’t work, there will always be another thing around the corner.

The biggest advantage of experimentation is the first mover advantage. Often times, the first company that enters the market with an innovative product gets to set the tone and others follow. A great example of this is the New York Times iPad app. The company developed the app and are now licensing it.

Disputing technology is neither helpful nor productive. Adapting technology is.



Roku XDS Review

by Aanarav Sareen on September 30, 2010

Last week, Roku announced the release of its new set-top boxes. Starting at just $59.95 and along with a few new partnerships, Roku has effectively made itself a very serious contender in the set-top box market.

Pricing:

The Roku HD box starts at just $59.95 — a price that is almost half of the latest generation Apple TV. This low price point is significant because it makes the device affordable in a market where traditional (cable, satellite, etc.) content consumption prices are increasing. With Roku, a user also does not pay any additional content access fees. The highest model Roku — the XDS is priced at $99.99 — the same price as the Apple TV.

Features:

By and large, this particular update doesn’t introduce any ground breaking features. However, the Roku XDS model has the ability to display content from USB drives. This makes the device an excellent choice for presentation and demo purposes on the road.

Content:

Today, Roku supports more premium content than the Apple TV and for that matter, most set-top boxes. With access to Amazon Video on Demand, Pandora, Netflix and now Hulu Plus, the device can access a significant amount of premium content at very minimal cost ($20 per month for Hulu and Netflix). And, with the XDS‘ upcoming ability to play content from an attached drive makes the device even more attractive.

Apps:

As of this moment, the Apple TV doesn’t offer the ability to install Apps. Roku does. Roku calls their apps “channels.” And, the ability to create apps and market them on a growing platform is win-win for any media organization — small or large. Broadcast networks could potentially create their own channels and introduce new revenue streams.

Conclusion:

The new release by Roku is a huge leap forward, not just for the company, but for the set-top box market. Highly recommended.

BlackBerry PlayBook and a New Era for RIM

by Aanarav Sareen on September 28, 2010

Yesterday at the BlackBerry DEVCON conference, RIM announced the BlackBerry PlayBook. While other sites have covered the technology aspects of this announcement in detail, this device marks a new era for RIM:

• User experience: Take a look at the embedded video above in this post. The user-experience is significantly better than current BlackBerry devices. A step away from corporate.
• No network: The initial PlayBook is available as a WiFi only device. BlackBerry phones, even today, are not sold without a service contract. This is a huge step for BlackBerry / RIM and their first direct-to-consumer product.
• BlackBerry Internet Service (BIS): BIS is the backbone of BlackBerry devices across the world — ranging from BlackBerry Messenger to email services. To a certain extent, BIS is also carrier dependant and without a carrier, it will be interesting to see how the device works.
• Privacy: BlackBerry has also been battling with privacy issues in the Middle East and Asia. It will be interesting to see how this device will impact data-sharing agreements between authorities.

As an end user, I’ll definitely be reviewing the device and comparing it to the Apple iPad. Thus far in the demos, the BlackBerry PlayBook looks like a good concept.

Production, technology and multi-screen

by Aanarav Sareen on September 27, 2010

For the past few weeks, I’ve been hard at work creating something that not many people across the world will see, but something that will still get coverage on primetime broadcasts in the United States. What is it? Multi-screen content for NBC News’ Education Nation. Through my employer, we were hired to do multi-screen video content for the event in 3 weeks worth of time. Calling that time-frame aggressive was being polite. We had to produce 2 significant pieces of content — one for a 14-screen installation and one for a 4-screen installation. Teams worked round-the-clock to gather high-quality images from across the country and we had to use robots to get our most crucial shots. Impressive? Yes. Hard-work? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. If you’re in NYC and would like to see the exhibit, send me an email — aanarav [at] sareen [dot] tv and I’ll be your personal tour guide this week.

Production & Technology:

I’ve been creating content for 9 years professionally. During that time, I’ve worked for local public-access stations, advised broadcast networks strategically and played a crucial consulting role for companies that enable media to progress. However, the art of creation is still one of the most challenges components in entertainment. Digital media thus far has primarily been a technological advance, not a creative one. Working on the above project over 3 weeks round-the-clock makes the best digital media advocates realize that although we should be focusing on technological advances, we shouldn’t forget what most people are still interested in — big, beautiful and inspirational. Web doesn’t do that. Yet.

Content creators need to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Real-time instantaneous web broadcasts are fine. But, what’s the production quality? Digital-only content creators have littered the web with poor-quality content. There have never been financial incentives for poor quality work. Nor will there ever be. Despite technological advances, people still come back to watch content that inspires them. Content that looks good. As content creators, producers and marketers, we should be aiming for better.



Digital Media for Retail in 2010

by Aanarav Sareen on September 14, 2010

Retail businesses have been around in varying forms for centuries. The premise behind a retail presence is simple — setup a (preferably convenient) location, allow people to visit, browse and purchase. Get more people to come in by using coupons, discounts or other incentives. However, the basic sales technique behind a retail location has been the same despite the changes and advancement in technology and media. Today, apart from using paper coupons, stores are simply using digital coupons. That is a good step forward, but very few retail stores are truly making use of technology to create a better environment for their customers.

For those in the retail business, here are some ideas:

1. Digital Displays: Retail locations have limited space and therefore clothing stores only use a handful of mannequins to display their best (and often times, most expensive) products. Furthermore, every person is different physically. So, why should a potential customer purchase an item just by looking at a mannequin that doesn’t resemble their physical characteristics and/or taste. A solution for this to have tablet-like interactive displays that allow users to visually select and modify their body type as well as different types of apparel. Combining these together would result in a display that is far more personal and appealing to the end user.
2. Email Receipts: Few companies have started doing over the past couple of years. However, why can’t more companies simply email you receipts from your store purchases? With the amount of paper and junk mail, it’s easier to categorize and archive emails than it is to locate a flimsy receipt.
3. Convenience: Ever walk into a store only to find out that the product is out-of-stock? Retail stores could avoid (a lot of) frustrated customers by having them order a product from a store’s digital display and having it delivered for free. A few bookstores have implemented this practice, but a wider adoption would be beneficial.

The possibilities for engaging customers via digital media in a retail location are significant. However, very few companies try these techniques because of the investment required. While that’s understandable, these investments are going to get larger in size as time progresses.

Amazon Kindle 3 Review

by Aanarav Sareen on September 13, 2010

I sold my Kindle 2 a while ago to purchase the iPad. I immediately regretted that decision as the Kindle 2 was most certainly the best e-reading device I had come across. While the iPad is a great product, it cannot be used for long term reading. The reflections and the weight of the product make it difficult to use for extended periods of time.

A few months ago, Amazon announced that they’d be releasing the Kindle 3 in two flavors — a WiFi version and a WiFi + 3G version. Starting at $139, I ordered the WiFi version as soon as it was available. Having used it intensively over the past 2 weeks (including an international trip to Australia), here are a few comments regarding the device:

• Size: I’m not sure how Amazon managed to pull this off, but the Kindle 3 has the exact same screen as its predecessor, but the overall device is much smaller.
• Speed: The page turns are much faster than prior versions. Often times, you aren’t even aware of the time delay between the pages.
• Battery: I’ve only charged my Kindle once and after reading one book and using it almost daily for 2 weeks, there’s still more than 70% of the battery left.
• Case: The Kindle 3 does not come with a case. I highly suggest picking up the case with a built in light. The light borrows power from the charged Kindle, but has very little overall impact.
• Contrast: This is one of the biggest improvements with the Kindle 3 and the difference is apparent. The screen savers and the text is a lot sharper and crisper, delivering a better reading experience.

Compared to the iPad:

The Kindle 3 and the Apple iPad are in completely different categories. One is a book reader. The other is a computer. However, for reading books, the Kindle 3 is far superior. Furthermore, Amazon makes it easy to access the Kindle content across multiple devices via their iOS, BlackBerry and Android applications.

Digital Media and the e-Book Model

by Aanarav Sareen on August 30, 2010

Consumers have various options when it comes to purchasing digital media. They can purchase content from iTunes, from the Zune Store or from Amazon.com. All of these options give users the ability to purchase video and audio at similar prices. However, Apple and Microsoft limit their content to their own devices, making it difficult for consumers to try other products. Apple has done this well and has done it for many years. They’ve created an ecosystem that works together. It’s simple to use and it scales effectively. You can purchase a movie from iTunes, view it on your iPod/iPhone and stream it to your TV via Apple TV.

On the other hand, Amazon has a completely different approach — they allow content purchased from their store to be distributed on many supported platforms. However, the experience is not easy or pleasant for casual consumers.

In order for digital media to succeed, content should be compatible with most advanced hardware platforms, regardless of the store it was purchased in. Online video has a long way to go and it is getting challenging to find content that works with certain hardware lock ins.



Digital Media and the e-Book Model

by Aanarav Sareen on August 30, 2010

Consumers have various options when it comes to purchasing digital media. They can purchase content from iTunes, from the Zune Store or from Amazon.com. All of these options give users the ability to purchase video and audio at similar prices. However, Apple and Microsoft limit their content to their own devices, making it difficult for consumers to try other products. Apple has done this well and has done it for many years. They’ve created an ecosystem that works together. It’s simple to use and it scales effectively. You can purchase a movie from iTunes, view it on your iPod/iPhone and stream it to your TV via Apple TV.

On the other hand, Amazon has a completely different approach — they allow content purchased from their store to be distributed on many supported platforms. However, the experience is not easy or pleasant for casual consumers.

In order for digital media to succeed, content should be compatible with most advanced hardware platforms, regardless of the store it was purchased in. Online video has a long way to go and it is getting challenging to find content that works with certain hardware lock ins.

Netflix available for iPhone and iPod touch

by Aanarav Sareen on August 26, 2010

A few months ago Netflix announced that it would be made available for iPhone and iPod touch users. As of this morning, the app is now supported on these devices. Unlike the iPad, this is not the full fledged Netflix interface. It is very similar to the XBOX 360 interface where users browse by categories. If you can’t find certain content via the iPhone/iPod touch, I’d suggest adding that content to your Instant Queue from a computer and then viewing it on the device. As far as what this means for Netflix? It opens up an entire market of new users for a very limited investment. Huge potential and now a significant bargaining vehicle.

Digital Media Podcast – 19 – The Google Platform

by Aanarav Sareen on August 25, 2010

In this episode of the Digital Media Podcast, Aanarav Sareen and Tim Gilmour from Dualform Studio discuss Google’s growing platforms – Gmail, YouTube and Buzz.

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