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More Rumblings on Apple Video iPod
Chris Holland writes "Beyond the WSJ Story, Om Malik gives us inside information obtained by Business 2.0 Magazine about the Apple Video iPod. 'Steve Jobs has spoken with Disney President and soon-to-be CEO Bob Iger about ways to license various Disney content for a video iPod, according to an internal Disney email I have obtained. That could include anything from clips from ESPN and ABC News to short cartoons.' "
I don't like these tiny videoplayers - there is no adequate thing for video like an earplug for audio. The only thing where it comes handy if you can connect a TV or a Display to it.
Spelling mistakes: My is english spoken not tongue of mother.
I vote that we stop giving free hype fuel for the apple hype machine.
While I wouldn't want to watch feature films on a 45 minute bus ride to work, it would be great to have a podcast of the hilights of last night's games to watch...
-JMP
Especially when MTV and VH1 already pump out the same drek day in, day out.
Ofcourse this is a double edged sword, if the ipod plays itunes clips only that severely limits the appeal (i sure as hell won't pay for videoclips) of the vPod. Then again if the vPod is as open as the iPod is (calm down, ogg users) then Apple stands to gain almost nothing in the way of being a new contect provider.
And i don't think videoclips will be the new iTunes hot item. People want to pay for music because they've been doing it for decades and they are inherently lazy. Clicking together a few songs to listen on the commute to work is a whole different ballgame than downloading videoclips at an even higher pricepoint, especially when this is a "new" type of content. A type of content which has a too narrow appeal of the same techno hipster show-offs who insist they keep their iPod mini's in their hands so they can show it off to the world.
Will wank off Linus Torvalds for fame.
While I occasionally see gadget-obsessed teenagers whining for something like this, I really wonder if there's any real demand.
If the iPod has the raw power to play video, I see no reason why Apple shouldn't put the software on it to do so. At the same time, I think that a lot of companies and people are overestimating the appeal of watching pirated movies on a 2-inch screen.
On the other hand, video podcasts would be nice.
On the other other hand, if Apple expects anybody to actually watch video (not just as a novelty), they're going to have to rethink the external interface of the iPod. You can't have a good sized screen and the vertical orientation of the device like it is now. There will have to be some big changes, and I really wonder if Jobs is willing to do that.
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this is a pic with a video ipod pictured, from the ge annual report that a listener to my show submitted. now its a mini, so this may just be annual report fluff. http://infonomicon.org/images/ge.jpg
When the video cassette recorder (VCR) became popular and economical, theater owners issued dire warnings that the end of the theater was at hand. These warnings were wrong. People go to the theater for reasons beyond just viewing the latest movie. People patronize the theater for social reasons; it is a place to enjoy a shared experience with your friends.
For this reason, the video iPod will not rival the success of the audio iPod. Music is something that many people enjoy by themselves. Witness all the cars equipped with stereos: the lone occupant of the car listens to music on her way to and from work.
The only exception to the above reasoning is pornography. Many people do, indeed, watch pornographic movies alone.
Here's an idea. To spur sales of the video iPod, Apple could offer 10 free jars of Vaselino for each purchase of a video iPod.
man... there already is video playing on the original ipod: http://ipodlinux.org/Video_Player I'm masturbating to videos on it right now... it's not bad with the backlight turned on - almost seems like there is color; I could use computer, but this is just so damn cool
Although I don't see the sale of music videos taking off, I can see a subscription based service doing well. If apple were to create something akin to Avantgo, where people could set preferences of the type of content they would like to receive I think it would be well received. One could sync their Ipod before going to work and watch News/Entertainment clips on the subway/bus.
What I don't get is how these analysts are making the leap that because Apple is negotiating video content, it must be for the iPod.
OS X Tiger shipped with Quicktime 7, and H.264 which delivers awesome HD video. Slap a beefier processor in the Mac mini that can keep up and you have yourself an Apple DVR.
MP3s. AAC. Music Videos. Disney Cartoons. The Matrix Reloaded Again For The Second Time. What have you. It will play it all.
So enough of this "Apple selling video = iPod Video" nonsense.
I only came here to do two things; kick some ass, and drink some beer...looks like we're almost out of beer.
This might cause fights in a crowded bus. Additionally, the sight of some guy walking down the street with a 5-foot-wide pornscape projected at all times in front of him will become common. You think there are a lot of complaints now over 5 INCH porn displays inside cars?
Someone needs to invent eyeplugs
Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
So after the video iPod has been out awhile will Steve announce an ultra portable version without a screen?
The comment has already been made. Let's move it along people. Nothing to see here.
There are too many companies who get really famous because of the fact that they looked at the market, saw the need, and filled it. There was a need for the iPod. Apple filled it. Joy of joys. People used to take their CD-players and tape players around, but many couldn't get the full use out of them because they could only hold one CD. Radio was too restrictive because you couldn't choose the content. Enter the iPod. Nice stuff!
:-)
Enter the knockoffs. The companies that can't read the market, because they're too big to have real risk-taking guts.
Then the iPod gets big and Apple somehow loses touch with the market. It's a rarity (except for long trips and sharing with friends) that people say, "Man, I wish I could watch a video clip right now." Or at least wanting it to the point that they would pay money for each clip that they put on it. Full Movies, yes, but ESPN recaps, no (though, a few bucks for all ESPN recaps this month would be very impressive).
Step 1: Read the market
Step 2: Find what the market needs
Step 3: Do it
Step 4: Profit
Step 5: Lose the market view
Step 6: Make a new product to ride on your popularity, with a market that doesn't exist yet
Step 7: Cross your fingers
But then again, if they weren't willing to fail, they'd be in the ranks with the big dogs that we tend to not like because they don't take risks (they just copy others). So, uh, even though I won't buy one, best of luck to them. If the market isn't there, at least their operating system rocks
Luke
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Help your boss understand you: Send them to ChristianNerds.com (The Free Online Computer Encyclopedia)
Speaking as a Mac user, I know exactly how I'm wasting time with my computer. I'm reading Slashdot.
Ah well, back to work.
I am TheRaven on Soylent News
I've become a very loyal customer in the last 2 years. From being a lifetime PC (Linux) user I've completly made the switch, by getting an iBook G4 first and a Powerbook later. I've since then migrated all of the PCs of my small company to Mac computers, and I constantly predicate about the digital lifestyle that you promote.
However, I'd like to request you that please, please, PLEASE add gapless playing to the iPod. How good can it be to listen to the Dark Side Of The Moon (or any other Pink Floyd album for that matter) if there is a frickin' gap between every track, cutting out all the inspiration of such masterpieces. I don't mind if it's added as a global option or as some sort of metadata hack for each track, I want gapless playing on my iPod (and iTunes too).
I can't stress enough how important this feature is for me as for many other users, I think it's by far the most requested one (even than OGG playback!)
Truly yours, a happy but desperate customer.
Articulos para gente geek: Poleras, linux, libros y mas
You know how we've all grown to hate when we're in public places and people are sitting there, talking loudly on their cellphones?
Now, we're going to get to the point where we're sitting in public places and see all these little video screens, playing video that we can barely make out enough to know what it is, but just enough to have a shiney spot in the corner of our eye that's distracting and making it so that we can't concentrate. Marvelous.
Luke
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Help your boss understand what you're talking about: Send them to ChristianNerds.com . We teach computers in a form so basic, even your boss will understand.
The iRiver H300 series has had video on it for over a year now through a firmware upgrade, so this is nothing ground breaking. Granted it's 220x176, 10fps on a 2 inch colour screen but it's very watchable. I have several films, tv series and music videos on mine. Ok I don't use the video side of my iRiver that much, but on a long flight or train journey I would. iPod ain't the only MP3 player out there, it wins on style but for functionality it's lagging behind. Shop around people.
I don't think video is the killer app for these things, but photos are with video as a useful secondary function.
I know they have a iPod photo already, but it is essentially a iPod which happens to be able to display photos in a small screen, there photos are clearly the secondary app to music. Yet digital photography is clearly dominating the photo market but most people still struggle to find the right way to carry and display these photos. Printing them out is time consuming and expensive, either at home or the photo lab.
The ideal solution is a device with a screen of a similar size to a standard print which you can pass around friends and family to show off your collection. The interface should be so simple grandparents can use it, and Apple have a clear lead in this area. Add in an interface to iPhoto which rivals the iTunes interface and I think you have a winner.
If you can then watch movies on it then I think this will be a useful secondary app, but not what the real selling point will be for most users.
Am I the only one who thinks that this whole idea of a "video iPod" isn't quite a tiny drive with a screen for personal use? Apple knows (and Steve Jobs has said) that the iPod isn't a worthwhile video player. But what if the video iPod isn't really an iPod as we know it? I think it's more a household appliance, likely with some kind of wireless connectivity for use with AirPort Express. Think more like a remote control with built-in content. Look at what's come up in the past. AirPort Express comes out with digital audio support, Apple claims expansion ability. Apple obtains a patent for a remote control device for home applications with wireless connectivity. Apple begins talks with audio content providers to begin to discuss the possibility of video content, after grooming them on the DRM for audio. Now they're talking to Disney. Why would Apple waste their relationships with content providers on a tiny screen? They wouldn't.
I find it more interesting that Jobs, simultaneously head of Pixar, went and discussed any thing with Iger of Disney. As we recall Pixar and Disney had an acrimonious split and this, reportedly, bothered the market and Disney shareholders. And, Eisner is still putatively running Disney, so talking things over with Iger seems to be a slap at Michael.
Time Warner would also have a huge catalog of animated shorts, so did Jobs talk to them? Have those talks stayed confidential? Could this WSJ report be placed in order to send Time Warner a message to not miss the boat? Is this a thaw in relations and reconciliation between Pixar and Disney? Is Toy Story 3 still in production? Could this be any more soap opera?
Will Apple want to sell movies via "itunes" to just any drm 'box' that can do h.264? All that we know about owning video will change with better broadband. Adsl2 and better cable will allow any .com to put a h.264 chip in a drm box and connect it to the end of their fat pipe. A quick download and you have your new or classic movie. The trick will be how to deal with the h.264 data when it moves to the end user. That is where Apple will come in. Do you want to rent it for a day or a week in a .com black box or 'own' it on your Mac for a few $?
End users want to be able to find and click on any past download and play it - just like a dvd or cd you own now. No waiting for 5 -15 min for your 'next' rental.
Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
Why are you spamming for your site, with a signature that I can't switch off? Please don't. thanks.
For every expert, there is an equal and opposite expert. - Arthur C. Clarke
Phew. The *great* thing about a video iPod is that I'll no longer have to be in the bathroom trying to watch pr0n and balancing a huge laptop with one hand!
i hope itms doesn't go the route of mtv and start off with music videos and later keep rerunning "the real world - cupertino".
Wouldn't that be an iPlug?
It seems a lot of folks are making the presumption that the current iPod screen would just become color for a video iPod - is that based on anything beyond the photo iPod?
Turn your iPod sideways and flip it over to the nice chome area. I don't have mine in front of me, but I'd guess you could get a 5"-6" 16x9 screen there. Has everyone noticed Apple's dedication to HDTV protocols with iMovie, iDVD, Final Cut Pro, etc. ? Somehow it would be contrary to their mission to give a video iPod a 4X3 when everything else there doing is designed for the future (16x9).
just my 10.
-pjc
Broadcasting LIVE from a Bonus Room Over the Gara
It's coming on the 19th of October
Drag n' Drop DVD Recommendations
Relax, I kid!
;-)
Just getting the inevitable out of the way...
Actually, since Apple switched to Intel chips, basically, any crazy rumor anyone told me about Apple now, I'm likely to believe.
For instance, you could tell me that Steve Ballmer inserted a brain parasite into Steve Jobs' ass, and now Steve Jobs is Microsoft's puppet, and Apple will be building Palladium support into OS X, I would believe it.
Never in a million years did I once think Apple would actually switch to x86 chips. I mean - I thought that MAYBE they'd pursue a dual-platform strategy: x86 for iMacs, laptops, and Minis, PPC for servers and high-end workstations. Never thought they'd dump PPC entirely. Just too surreal for me.
These are my friends, See how they glisten. See this one shine, how he smiles in the light.
The real thing that's going to be cool is the Airport Express Video, coming out in January (my prediction)!
With iTunes (software + store) already supporting video, the next logical step is to make a way to stream the video on your computer to your TV(s) over the network.
This is what's going to be awesome: Go to iTMS (they may need a new name!), download a movie for $5, organize with iTunes, watch in HD on any real TV(s) in your house whenever you want, as often as you want, forever!
The only drawback is that video takes up huge amounts of space on your SD cards, which are pricey. But, if you're willing to spring for 'em, there's two SD slots on the Zodiac, so you could buy a pair of cheaper cards instead of one large, expensive one.
Thinking people won't watch video on a small screen is just wrong. We watch video on small screens all the time right now, on camcorders, portable DVD players, pocket TVs, game devices, and web pages.
And don't just think in terms of feature films. Most things we see on small screens are short form. Movie trailers, music videos, demonstrations, news, video podcasts. It's videos of a couple of minutes that are best suited to watching on the commuter bus or train. But even feature films can work. Try watching Spider Man 2 on the Sony PSP's bright, wide 4" screen. It's really not bad!
No, Apple's vPod won't be the current iPod playing video on its two inch screen. Think different!
Take a PSP and chop off the game controls on the two ends, leaving just the screen. That's about the right form factor. Remove the UMB drive and put in a hard drive. Leave WiFi and the replacable battery in, replace USB with FireWire video I/O. Perhaps use touchscreen, or take the iPod control wheel and put it on the back of the unit. Don't look at me funny like that, think about it!
For functionality, let it play music and video. Let video go out thru FireWire for playback on other devices. Sync and stream in/out thru FireWire or WiFi. And add two more chunks of software: A Web browser so it can connect to the Web over WiFi when you're in the airport or Starbucks. And _Apple Remote Access_ so it can serve as a portable remote screen on any Mac it can see via WiFi. This lets it be a remote control for (or be controled by) any Mac (or VNC PC) in WiFi range or across the Internet world wide. This is big!
Now THAT's a cool, useful, elegant device, and it can be done with decent form factor, cost, and battery life right now. And the iTMS/iSync/ARA infrastructure is already in place. One more thing - use a good OLED screen for it. Those are thinner, brighter, lighter, and use less power than a backlit LCD. The one remaining problem of that technology - limited screen lifetime - is just about solved at this point.
I see it happening next year.
Mike from www.myallo.com/blog
No Bluetooth. Less space than a Nomad. Lame.
Teach Aunt Martha about the computer the eay way: Send her to ChristianNerds.com, the Free Online Computer Encyclopedia (written in normal-people-speak)
Apparently your idea of "normal-people-speak" is baby talk and misinformation. Apparently, the motherboard of a computer goes inside the CPU and a biological virus is an "inivisible being that gets passed on from one person to another." Also, all the information stored in a computer's memory is software; there's no such thing as data.
Wow.
"Well kids, you tried your best, and you failed. The lesson is, never try."