And the first wave is typically underwhelming. Look at video on the Internet - there were many companies developing web applications similar to Youtube back in the dot-bomb era: DEN, Popcast, etc. My team developed one for Sony that was never deployed, but would have likely failed anyway.*sigh*
But the "ecosystem" just wasn't ready: Most of the population didn't have the broadband access necessary for a good experience. To make matters worse, a lot of questionable business models were applied to this underdeveloped ecosystem.
I believe video on mobile will be a phenomenon in the near future, but will only happen when the ecosystem reaches a critical point where:
1. A significant percentage (>20%) of consumers have EVDO/HSDPA or better bandwidth and are using decent mobile devices (like the Nokia N series)
2. A service emerges that builds a bridge between the Internet and mobile devices that is suitable for mass adoption:
- A free service (ad supported like Youtube on the web)
- That offers automated transcoding of content for mobile users
- And solves distribution and discovery challenges that are specific to the mobile space.
The Gootube/Verizon deal is not the answer. Guess what I'm spending all my time on these days?
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And the first wave is typically underwhelming. Look at video on the Internet - there were many companies developing web applications similar to Youtube back in the dot-bomb era: DEN, Popcast, etc. My team developed one for Sony that was never deployed, but would have likely failed anyway.*sigh* But the "ecosystem" just wasn't ready: Most of the population didn't have the broadband access necessary for a good experience. To make matters worse, a lot of questionable business models were applied to this underdeveloped ecosystem. I believe video on mobile will be a phenomenon in the near future, but will only happen when the ecosystem reaches a critical point where:
1. A significant percentage (>20%) of consumers have EVDO/HSDPA or better bandwidth and are using decent mobile devices (like the Nokia N series)
2. A service emerges that builds a bridge between the Internet and mobile devices that is suitable for mass adoption:
- A free service (ad supported like Youtube on the web)
- That offers automated transcoding of content for mobile users
- And solves distribution and discovery challenges that are specific to the mobile space.
The Gootube/Verizon deal is not the answer. Guess what I'm spending all my time on these days?