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Warner Brothers App Edition Movies Could Be The Future

// February 23rd, 2011 // 4 Comments » // Mobile

If you can remember back this far, movies weren’t always available to download over the Internet. Even before DVDs, you got movies on what’s called a ‘VHS’ (Video Home System). These large cassettes were quite simple, but used a magnetic tape coiled inside to show video content in sequential format. Unlike DVDs, if you wanted to only watch the second half of a movie on VHS, you had to fast forward, which forced the VCR (Video Cassette Recorder (and player)) to scroll the tape quickly without rendering the image. Since this was strictly sequential, there was no real option for movie studios to add extra content. Of course, they could put the content there, but it was only accessible at the very end, after the credits, so most consumers never bothered to watch it.

With the advent of the DVD-RAM, consumers were introduced to random-access memory, which used software on the DVD player to skip around to various virtual bookmarks on the disc, such as the ‘Special Features’ or alternative versions of films. This was huge to movie studios, as they could now charge extra for ‘Special Edition’ versions of their movies, and include B-roll footage and outtakes as a value-add that consumers would pay extra for. They’ve done the same with Blu-ray discs, only moreso, given the extra amounts of storage available on the higher density Blu-ray discs.

Unfortunately, with the move to streaming media, movie studios are again limited to a sequential-presentation format. Of course they can include a few trailers and ads and such, but nothing like the extra features available on a physical disc. This is the same on mobile devices, where consumers either stream movies, or have them locally stored as a video file, much like the videos they are able to record with the device. Again, stuck with sequential presentation.

Fortunately for both consumers and the studios, Warner Brothers has found a way to innovate (somewhat) to both present consumers with extra bonus features and extract extra money. The new App Edition format, recently launched for The Dark Knight and Inception on iOS devices, offers a DVD-esque experience for moviewatchers using an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad. Really, it’s quite brilliant. The movie is available through the App Store as an app. When the consumer ‘launches’ the app, they have the option to watch the full-length movie or explore various extras. These extras might include deleted scenes, photos, trivia, and that sort of thing.

Of course, pricing isn’t all that great, with The Dark Knight ringing up for $9.99 and Inception priced at $11.99, but it’s a start. Also, unfortunately, these App Edition movies are only viewable on the device – there’s no digital copy included to watch on your laptop or TV, which is a shame. However, I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing these bundled with the Blu-ray disc as a ‘Digital Edition’ in the future. It should be noted that Paramount is also planning this for Windows Phone 7 devices.

I personally think this is a rather cool idea. With tablets invading our homes this holiday season, I can definitely see these types of apps really taking off, once the studios get the pricing worked out. Would you buy an ‘App Edition’ movie?

via: Mobiputing

Spending Time With The Normobs – iPhone

// August 12th, 2009 // No Comments » // Mobile, Time With The Normobs

As mentioned previously, while searching for job opportunities, I’ve been spending time with normobs at a cell phone kiosk. It’s given me an interesting look at ‘normobs’ in the real world, how they shop for phones, and the things they ‘know’ about cell phones. One thing I was hoping to get some insight on is the iPhone. We do not carry the iPhone at my location, but have plenty of people ask for it. We do, however, have the Samsung Eternity, which, for the most part, offers a similar experience. Both have 3 megapixel cameras, 3G, GPS, full touchscreen, etc. Of course, the Eternity doesn’t have WiFi (though most consumers, I’ve noticed, could care less), nor does it have the apps. I honestly figured the apps would be a bigger deal.

Here’s the scenario – it happens at least 3-4 times per day, every day.

Consumer – Do you guys have the iPhone?

Salesperson – No, but we do have the Samsung Eternity. It has most of the same features as the iPhone – same camera, touchscreen, GPS, etc, but it’s alot cheaper! The phone itself is only $50, and the monthly data plan is only $15, instead of $30 for the iPhone

Consumer – (picks up the phone and looks at it) Cool.

At that point, the consumer either purchases it or doesn’t. However, one thing that I have yet to hear in response from the consumer is ‘Does it have apps like the iPhone?’ Given the iPhone and its marketing and all in the geek world, I really expected to hear this objection 100% of the time, but I have yet to hear it personally. I’ve asked my coworkers, who also use the same sales pitch to overcome the lack of iPhone in our shop, and they reported only hearing it once or twice.

While of course this isn’t scientific research by any measure, I just found it interesting.

On The iPhone Upgrade Plans

// June 11th, 2009 // 6 Comments » // Mobile, stupid

So, Apple announced a new iPhone the other day, and everyone got excited. That is, they were excited until AT&T and O2 revealed their pricing plans for existing iPhone lovers to get their new upgrade. Apparently, heaven forbid, both carriers plan to <gasp> require that consumers complete their current contract before they will be eligible for discounted pricing on this new phone.

For those of you who think that AT&T and O2 are being evil, let me explain something to you, as someone who has been in and around the mobile industry for nearly 10 years. There are 2 prices for every phone sold through a carrier. There’s the subsidized price, and the full-retail price. The subsidized price is usually a few hundred dollars cheaper, and requires that you sign a contract, usually stating that you’ll maintain active service with the carrier for 2 years (though some are one year, others are 3). The full retail price does not require the contract – you buy the phone, just as you would buy a computer or a home stereo system.

So, when you bought, for instance, your iPhone 3G, you only had to pay $200 (instead of the ~$600 no-contract price) because you promised AT&T that you would pay at least $70/month (for the iPhone Plan) for 24 months. If you read carefully, that’s about all the contract really requires – it doesn’t promise any specific level of service from AT&T, unfortunately.

So….you got the iPhone 3G for a hefty discount because you signed a 2-year contract. If you cancel that contract early, you rightfully have to pay an ETF, which stands for Early Termination Fee, of $175. This is also spelled out explicitly in the contract that you signed, but didn’t bother to read. As such, you cannot reasonably expect to now, a mere 12 months or less into your 24-month contract, get ANOTHER new phone, discounted. This is because you still have 12 months or so on the contract you’re already in.

It doesn’t matter how cool the new iPhone 3G S might be, or what snookery AT&T or O2 have done in the past for you – the contract is clearly spelled out, and you voluntarily signed it. You’re legally stuck with it. Complaining or petitioning is silly. Next time, perhaps you’ll more carefully read a contract before you sign it.

Edit: fixed the price of the monthly plan (not that it really matters for the sake of this post, but for accuracy, anyways). There’s some confusion as to whether the iPhone 3G plans were in effect before or after AT&T initiated its pro-rated ETF. Again, it doesn’t really matter for the purposes of this post, but whatever.

Boingo Knows Good PR

// May 25th, 2009 // No Comments » // cool, marketing

A few weeks ago, the Sling Player for iPhone was released through the App Store, though unfortunately users quickly discovered that it was barred from using the 3G cellular connection – only WiFi. Obvious iPhone-bashing opportunity aside (I used Sling on my unbranded phones over 3G with zero issues), that just plain sucks for iPhone users. So what does Boingo have to do with it?

Their PR folks took a bad situation and turned it into an awesome PR opportunity by offering iPhone owners one free month of their unlimited smartphone WiFi plan – a $7.95 value. Yes, I’m aware that Boingo already offered a free month, but they went to the effort to publicise this for iPhone/Slingbox owners.

AT&T already offers iPhone owners free WiFi on their WiFi Hotspot network, but Boingo adds a whole slough of connection options. I’ve used Boingo several times when traveling, and would highly recommend it if you’re a frequent traveler, specifically through airports. It’s a great feeling to be able to turn your laptop on and see that friendly ‘A Boingo Network is Available’ box pop up and know you’re connected.

If you’re an iPhone/Slingbox owner, you can get the hookup here . If you’re not, but are interested in checking out Boingo, you can of course use the same link. Props to Boingo for making themselves relevant as problem solvers for an otherwise unrelated problem.

Chrysler GEM Peapod Shows How Auto Manufacturers Can Innovate

// April 20th, 2009 // 2 Comments » // technology

The auto industry, specifically in the U.S., is in the crapper, along with the economy. One of the major reasons is because they produce boring cars. Despite the massive amount of innovation taking place in wireless, mobile, and consumer electronics, the offerings from Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler, and others has been pretty stale. Of course, they have concept cars, proudly displayed at State Fairs across the country, and they have one or two models in the entire lineup that have something special, but for the most part, it’s the same old cars and trucks, year after year.

The other problem is that the ‘innovations’ are typically not worth the expense to the consumer. For instance, the Chevy Silverado is now available in a Hybrid model. Great news, as that’s one of the more thirsty gas-guzzlers in Chevy’s line. Unfortunately, the Hybrid model costs several thousand dollars more than the normal one, and only gets you an additional 5-7mpg. Snore.

Likewise for the electronics that make up the so-called ‘Driver Information Center’. You can get Bluetooth built-in, but it’s $150 or more. Contrast that with this deck from Jensen, with Bluetooth, iPod integration, a front-facing USB input, and even an SD card slot, for $130. Far more features than the factory stereo, and that’s just the bottom of the barrel. For $200+, you can really get down and dirty.

Chrysler is running with this idea with their new GEM Peapod, sporting full-on integration with an iPhone or iPod Touch. Not only can you use the phone to start the car’s electric engine, you can also then control music and a number of other functions through its touchscreen interface. Brilliant.

This is yet another example of technology enriching and enabling our real lives – eliminating the need to keep up with a bulky keychain, instead using your cell phone – which you pretty much always have on you. I love it, and definitely congratulate Apple and Chrysler for finally seeing the value in innovating together.