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  2. December 2010

December 2010

Google’s Big Problem: It Ain't What You Think

[Commentary] As it looks at its future, Google needs to realize that it has a “user experience” problem and its simplicity — the elegant search box — isn't enough, especially as it starts to compete with rivals whose entire existence revolves around easy, consumer experiences.

Here are three major challenges Google needs to surmount:

  • Make software usable by tens of millions of people on a disparate array of products.
  • Overcome its history of only using data to define its future.
  • Figure out how to keep people in their playground, rather than helping people find the information they were looking for and sending them elsewhere: a radical new approach to business.

Google, during its first ten years, thrived by helping people go elsewhere on the web. The faster it sent them elsewhere, the sooner those users would return. However, these new platforms Google is trying to build are inherently personal. Unlike the PC-based web browser which tries to help you find things, these new platforms are about bringing information to you. They are about discovery, not search. Google is like an old dog trying to learn new tricks. The good news is that Google isn't that old, and more importantly, the company knows it has a problem and is trying to find ways to fix it.

US, Europe will cooperate on EHR exchange standards

The US and European Commission will promote common standards that will enable electronic health records to exchange information, to foster safety and quality of care across their boundaries and to spur health IT market growth on both sides of the Atlantic.

Kathleen Sebelius, Health and Human Services secretary, and Neelie Kroes, vice president of the European Commission and European Digital Agenda commissioner, signed an agreement in Washington to advance a common approach not only on the interoperability of EHRs but also on education programs and competencies for health IT professionals. Both sides understand that a skilled health IT workforce is necessary to make the benefits of health IT available to providers and patients. The agreement on “Cooperation Surrounding Health Related Information and Communication Technologies”aims to boost the potential of the health IT market for European companies wishing to do business in the US and vice versa, Kroes said Dec. 17. Under the agreement, HHS and the European Commission will exchange information about their health IT activities, as well as establish joint working groups to identify steps to accomplish shared goals and organize collaborative scientific conferences and workshops.

TV on the go ready to hit the small screen

Rabbit ears on a mobile phone? Well, not exactly, but broadcasters and gadget manufacturers are working to beam live television to portable devices.

The broadcast industry has been developing mobile digital TV for several years, and a small number of stations are on the air, but the platform's availability remains limited. In 2011, the technology is expected to gain momentum as the Mobile Content Venture, a group of 12 major broadcasters, will be upgrading stations to start delivering mobile DTV in 20 markets covering more than 40 percent of the U.S. population. In the initial rollout, viewers in such metropolitan areas as Chicago, Los Angeles and Orlando, are scheduled to receive at least two free channels during the second half of 2011.

Verizon iPhone won't be AT&T's doomsday

Apple's iPhone is widely expected to come to Verizon Wireless next year. Here's the surprise twist: That won't spell disaster for AT&T. The telecom giant -- and many of the industry analysts who cover it -- predict that the vast majority of AT&T's roughly 20 million iPhone customers will stick with the wireless carrier. AT&T had the strategic foresight to lock most of them into long-term contracts lasting deep into 2011 and beyond. That makes it painful for those subscribers to switch to another carrier -- and makes the Verizon iPhone pill much easier for AT&T to swallow. Here's a closer look at why AT&T doesn't have to worry too much about its upcoming iPhone rival.

A Demography of the iPad

One out of every five Americans plans to own a tablet by 2014, according to a survey conducted in November by Harris Interactive, a market research firm.

Nine million Americans currently own tablets--only about 3% of the current U.S. population. But the iPad and its cousins seems to have made inroads into the American psyche, at least, since fully 17% more intend to buy one in the next three years, according to the survey. The results also prove out what some have noticed as a trend: the tablet as business tool. Of those who own or plan to own tablets, 40% of them intend to use it for business. The iPad is becoming, in effect, a jumbo Blackberry. There's apparently a slight gender divide among tablets, according to the data: More men than women say they'll own a tablet inside of three years (26% vs. 18%). But of the women who do intend to get a tablet, more, proportionally, plan on using it for social networking than men (60% vs. 43%). And young folks are more likely than old folks to plan to get a tablet: Some 26% of people in the 18-34 cohort announced their tablet dreams, whereas just 15% of those over 55 said the same.

Bed or Bits? Nearly Half of All Americans Would Ditch Sleeping Quarters Before Their PC, TV

Would you happily lose your pillow before the cloud? You're not alone.

According to a new survey, nearly 50% of Americans would give up their bed before their TV and computer. The computer is becoming the entertainment center for many people's lives--boosted by ever more sophisticated gaming, the rise of Net TV, and the fact that everyone's music collection is now typically stored on their PC or Mac. Computers are also vital if you're in school or college, and if you want to work from home. The hidden tech behind this, not mentioned in Aaron's survey, is the Net--a computer that's not connected to the Intertubes nowadays is pretty much useless.

The End Of Hulu As We Know It (And Comcast Feels Fine)

The initial public offering for Hulu is off the table. The fact that Hulu lacks long-term rights to its programming was “one reason” offered for the IPO postponement. That smells like a red herring given this wasn't exactly a surprise to NBC Universal, News Corp. and Disney, primary stakeholders alongside Providence Equity Partners. A likelier rationale: IPOs require consensus, and that’s not going to happen with this many cooks in the kitchen.

There’s no shortage of issues the principals could be disagreeing on here, but let’s focus on the biggest question mark that has hovered over Hulu for about a year now: Comcast, which is about to take over NBCU’s stake, needs Hulu like a fish needs a bicycle. A site that has built its fan base by offering TV episodes for free online is not of much use to a cable operator that wants to monetize that same window through VOD and TV Everywhere or Fancast or Xfinity or whatever cockamamie new name Comcast concocts next -- all of which lack the brand power Hulu has built. And so Comcast can't simply pull the plug on Hulu. If it keeps its stake in the company, the best move is to steer it further in the direction of Hulu Plus, which has a subscription model and multiplatform presence that fits in with the cable operator’s drive toward authenticated viewing experiences.

FCC looks to Modernize 9-1-1

The Federal Communications Commission took an important step to modernize America's 9-1-1 services for consumers and first responders by adopting a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) seeking public comment on how Next Generation 911 (NG911) can enable the public to obtain emergency assistance by means of advanced communications technologies beyond traditional voice-centric devices.

The FCC has undertaken this proceeding in response to a recommendation in the National Broadband Plan seeking to harness the life-saving potential of text messaging, email, video and photos from mobile and landline broadband services. Despite the fact that there are more than 270 million wireless consumers nationwide and that approximately 70 percent of all 9-1-1 calls are made from mobile hand-held devices, today's 9-1-1 systems support voice-centric communications only and are not designed to transfer and receive text messaging, videos or photos. In some emergency situations -- especially in circumstances where a call could further jeopardize someone's life and safety -- texting may be the only way to reach out for help. In addition, many Americans, particularly those with disabilities, rely on text messaging as their primary means of communication.

The NOI asked a comprehensive set of questions that address a number of issues related to the deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services, including, but not limited to:

  • The technical feasibility and limitations of text messaging video streaming and photos;
  • Consumer privacy issues, particularly related to the sharing of personal electronic medical data;
  • Development of technical and policy standards;
  • Consumer education and awareness; and
  • Inter-governmental coordination and coordination within the public safety community.

Industry needs to tell own side of Network Neutrality story

[Commentary] Is the lack of understanding of network neutrality issues by mainstream users the fault of telco opponents on this issue, or carriers and industry vendors themselves?

DPI, policy and charging vendors have to pitch in to help stave off those attacks. And, carriers should pay attention to what their customers fear and then educate them so they don't lose customer loyalty. Before launching successful marketing and education campaigns to address these fears and misconceptions, carriers and their suppliers need to take the first step and read what the public is saying. The danger is that without an effort by the telecom industry to tell its own story about Net Neutrality, the history of this issue will be written by others – namely Web and over-the-top players that ultimately have their own corporate interests to represent.

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