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Let’s face it, average consumers are not glued to their computers. They enjoy reading books by the pool, watching programming on their TVs, and generally don’t modify their behaviors around new technology. At least, that’s what I learn from my wife. However, as technology continues to improve, helping streamline consumers’ interaction with digital media, a shift is starting to occur.
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I recently brought home a new Kindle2 and was disappointed with my wife’s lackluster excitement for the device. She quickly stated she would not trade her paperback for a new high-tech gadget. However, once she started playing with it, she actually found it very similar to a book, especially the way in which text is displayed on the electronic paper.
Aside from being user-friendly, I explained to her how the device allows me to be a responsible news reader. As newspaper subscriptions continue to decrease as more and more people get their news for free from places like Yahoo! News and Google News, the flow of cash has decreased for traditional media. Income from online ads is just not replacing the conventional full page or double-truck that used to be the staple of the print news industry. In fact, according to Hollywood Reporter, a double-truck ad in the New York Times costs $100k, much more costly than the self-service online advertising they also provide. Thus, when you read your news online, you’re hurting the very social service that we need — responsible journalism. However, when you pay for your news subscription through Amazon, you’re helping old media become new again. That’s why the Kindle is such a great example of a device that not only supports the needs of consumers, but the needs of society as well.
The same concept applies with music, which is already playing out. Take Apple for example, the iPod and iPhone are perfect devices for the non-technical and the technical alike. It adapts to the consumer and not the other way around. Music, applications, and everything that was a physical purchase is now a simple “tap” and it supports the industry that produces the media. Phil Schiller announced in his Macworld 2009 keynote speech that over 6 billion songs had been downloaded since the service first launched on April 28, 2003.
Now consider video. There are great models that support the movie and video industry: NetFlix, Apple TV, iTunes, and yes, even a set-top box, FyreTV, that caters to consumers looking for more adult-centric entertainment. As devices become available for the consumer to make their living room function as it did in the past, as an all-inclusive entertainment center, people will use it and pay for it.
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What happens if Apple produces a device that’s like a large iPhone, a hybrid between a PC and a phone, and adds books and newspaper subscriptions to iTunes? That’s a game changer. Now there’s a device that allows users to do anything; scribble notes, read a book, type an email, and download a word processing application directly from Apple’s online store.
An iTablet would be an amazing change to the world’s media. Everything will be in the hands of the consumer all because a few thoughtful companies figured out how to bridge the gap between the consumer and traditional media. As a result, everyone benefits and prospers!
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I wish this iTablet existed. |
I’m inspired! Let’s go do it!
Let’s face it, the average consumer is not glued to their computers. They enjoy reading books by the pool, watching programming on their TVs, and generally don’t modify their behaviors around new technology. At least, that’s what I learn from my wife. However, as technology continues to improve, helping streamline consumers’ interaction with digital media, a shift is starting to occur.
I recently brought home a new Kindle2 and was disappointed with my wife’s lackluster excitement for the device. She quickly stated she would not trade her paperback for a new high-tech gadget. However, once she started playing with it, she actually found it very similar to a book, especially the way in which text is displayed on the electronic paper.
Aside from being user-friendly, I explained to her how the device allows me to be a responsible news reader. As newspaper subscriptions continue to decrease as more and more people get their news for free from places like Yahoo! News and Google News, the flow of cash has decreased for traditional media. Income from online ads is just not replacing the conventional full page or double-truck that used to be the staple of the print news industry. In fact, according to Hollywood Reporter, a double-truck ad in the New York Times costs $100k, much more costly than the self-service online advertising they also provide. Thus, when you read your news online, you’re hurting the very social service that we need — responsible journalism. However, when you pay for your news subscription through Amazon, you’re supporting old media helping it become new again. That’s why the Kindle is such a great example of a device that not only supports the needs of consumers, but the needs of society as well.
The same concept applies with music, which is already playing out. Take Apple for example, the iPod and iPhone are perfect devices for the non-technical and the technical alike. It adapts to the consumer and not the other way around. Music, applications, and everything that was a physical purchase is now a simple “tap” and it supports the industry that produces the media. Phil Schiller announced in his Macworld 2009 keynote speech that over 6 billion songs had been downloaded since the service first launched on April 28, 2003.
Now consider video. There are great models that support the movie and video industry: NetFlix, Apple TV, iTunes, and yes, even a set-top box, FyreTV, that caters to consumers looking for more adult-centric entertainment. As devices become available for the consumer to make their living room function as it did in the past, as an all-inclusive entertainment center, people will use it and pay for it.
What happens if Apple produces a device that’s like a large iPhone, a hybrid between a PC and a phone, and adds books and newspaper subscriptions to iTunes? That’s a game changer. Now there’s a device that allows users to do anything; scribble notes, read a book, type an email, and download a word processing application directly from Apple’s online store.
It would be an amazing change to the world’s media. Everything will be in the hands of the consumer all because a few thoughtful companies figured out how to bridge the gap between the consumer and traditional media. As a result, everyone benefits and prospers!
I’m inspired; let’s go do it!
Tags: Amazon, Apple, New York Times, News, Newspapers
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on Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 9:55 pm and is filed under Opinion.
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Ah Kindle 2, how I love mine. Such a great device from Amazon
Hi there,
Interesting, I`ll quote it on my site later.
Hello. I think the article is really interesting. I am even interested in reading more. How soon will you update your blog?
Thanks for article. Everytime like to read you.
Bodyc
Hello,
Everything dynamic and very positively!
Have a nice day
The Kindle 2 was my first entry into the e-book world. I have been very happy with the experience. I was first concerned that the Kindle would not have the same feel as reading a book. Boy was I wrong. Reading with the Kindle has the same feel and even better. I have found that it is more comfortable to read because I don’t have to play around with holding the pages back while trying to get comfortable. I like the fact that whenever I finish a book I can immediately get a new one. The convenience is great especially when traveling. Amazon has done a great job of integrating the Kindle into the iPhone as well which is very convenient for me. If I don’t happen to have my Kindle I can read on the iPhone. Later when I resume on my Kindle it automatically syncs to where I stopped reading. I purchased one for my Mom who needs large print books and has trouble finding them for some novels. She is ecstatic that she controls the size of the print. My wife has rediscovered reading due to the Kindle alone. She finds it convenient to carry around and quite comfortable to read from. My kids have even enjoyed reading books on the Kindle.
Other great features to note include the battery life. I can go weeks without a charge if wireless is off. I like that I can search text if necessary. How many times have you forgotten who a minor character was and found yourself backtracking to find out. The search option makes it instantaneous. I also frequently use the integrated dictionary to look up words that I may not recognize. Text to speech is OK and I have used it on occasion when driving but this is not a feature I use often. Many people have complained that there should be a backlight. I disagree. I want the experience to be like reading a book…not a computer screen. I purchased a clip on light from Amazon and use that when reading at night in bed.
I did have some technical issues with one of my readers. The screen illustrated garbled images in the corner and seemed to be damaged. I called technical support, waited less than a minute to talk to someone and they sent me a new one in 24 hours.
Excellent reader, great support. Highly recommended.