CES Trends: 4K 0

Get ready to hear a lot about 4K TV.  At the 2012 International CES earlier this year we saw 4K (and 8K) television prototypes from a number of OEMs. LG and Sony, among others, are expected to start shipping 4K TV offerings within the month.

Around CES there was much written regarding 4K television (see here and here as examples).  There is more to come.  I want to highlight a few key points to consider:

  1. While the initial models will be expensive from the perspective of a mass market consumer, prices will move down over time (typical for nascent technologies after first launch).
  2. As of right now, there are no single definitions/standards for 4K. CEA is actively working to bring together 4K stakeholders and solidify relevant definitions for 4K.
  3. The origins of 4K is the cinema. The imminent launch of 4K TVs will usher in 4K  as a home entertainment technology.
  4. The first 50K or 100K units sold will come relatively easy.  The real test for 4K will come after those initial units are sold.
  5. Resolution is a function of an individual’s distance from the display. In order for a 4K display to provide a meaningfully improved viewing experience in the home, the display will need to be large or individuals will need to sit closer to their TVs.
  6. 4K displays can provide am improved 3D experience.  Passive 3D essentially cuts the viewing resolution in half so with a roughly 4K display viewers can still watch passive 3D in full HD.

 

The Changing Role of Consumer Tech Supply Chains 0

I think Todd Taylor over at OPS Rules accurately captures a few key points about the shifting of tech supply chain dynamics as the industry becomes decidedly more consumer centric.

A more consumer centric supply chain means design cycles (both planning and production cycles) will be compressed.  I’ve spoke with phone manufacturers who want the entire design cycle – from the first thought about the product until the time it is available to consumers at retail – to be under nine months

File Under Digital Decade: The Evolving Role of Video 0

I caught the recent story of a man arrested for drug possession in Orlando.  Apparently police monitoring a live video feed sent officers to the scene who then made the arrest.

In the accompanying video, one of women being interviewed about the role of video cameras says something interesting. When asked if it is acceptable to use live video feeds to monitor behavior she responds, “around here they need to be watched.” Note, she doesn’t say, “we need to watch.”  She suggests the video doesn’t apply to her behavior, but rather the behavior of others. As we transition fully into the digital decade there remains diverse opinions on the role of data, but many seem to share this similar sentiment – that this broad movement doesn’t apply to oneself.

 

 

Google Now 0

Google recently introduced Google Now – an app/service available on android.  Essentially, Google Now attempts to predict the information you want. Standing on a train platform – Google Now will deliver up details on the next departing train.  If you have an appointment across town, Google Now monitors traffic and alerts you when you need to leave so you aren’t late.

Here’s a quick commercial video on the service.

The real estate of mobile devices is an incredibly valuable resource.  Clearly Steve Jobs recognized this when Apple provided new app review guidelines back in the fall of 2010. When users are overrun with choice, making a choice can be difficult at best.  Use-case for mobile devices – and especially phones – is one of bit-sized information/content and speed. Consumers also value recommendations and these recommendations can come in a myriad of forms.  The key is these recommendations have relevancy. Google Now tries to take advantage of known information to offer useful bit-sized information in a quick format.  It takes advantage of the clock, the GPS coordinates, and search history.  In the past I’ve written about the sensorization of consumer tech – and how devices moving forward will integrate more sensing technologies.  Ultimately that should mean more meaningful recommendations with greater relevancy.

An Integrated Hardware/Software Approach 0

Over the last few weeks both Google (see Nexus Tablet and Nexus Q) and Microsoft (see Surface) have announced major hardware initiatives.  In both cases, these hardware initiatives have been primarily focused on the mobile/tablet ecosystem.  Even Microsoft’s recent software announcement – Microsoft SmartGlass – is targeting the growing tablet ecosystem.  Both companies are taking a more hands-on approach to the growing tablet ecosystem as they seek to more closely integrate their software strategy with a hardware component.  These moves are partly in the hopes that a hardware component will spur software demand and help buoy their entire platforms respectively.

Adoption Cycle v. Upgrade Cycle 0

Often I see individuals talking and writing about adoption cycles and upgrade cycles as one in the same cycle. However I think an important differentiation can be made between adoption cycles and upgrade cycles. 

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