Video on Mobile: The trend has already started!

During our presentation day, we discussed on the emerging trends. Streaming video on mobiles came out as one of the key trends in the next 5 years.

However, it seems the disruptive trend is already big. According to NY Times Article, millions of people have downloaded Justin.tv and Ustream's app to iphones for live video stream viewing. As for as Justin.tv is concerned, its iPhone app already contributes about 20% of the company's total new account sign-ups!

The question needs to be answered is on revenue sharing who gets how much share? Another challenge, as we discussed, is how to price the mobile plans? The All you can eat plans were focused on the Phone calls rather than Video on Mobile.

It remains to be seen how the TiVos and Hulus react to Justin.tv.

Apple iPhone Ad Hints at Embedded Advertising

Here's an ad that hints at what embedded advertisements may look like in iPhone (and iPad).

iPhone: Line2 allows users to make WIFI calls

 
The NY Times reports about a new iPhone app called Line2. The app allows iPhone users to receive phone calls over a WIFI connection, set up a new number (ala Google Voice) but also set up call routing. Small businesses can set up prompts (Press 1 for Accounting, 2 for Sales department, etc.).

Most interestingly, is that this app is still available. Apple reported that they blocked Google Voice because Google's app replaced, "Apple's user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls." However, Line2 uses the iPhone's native interface and phone technology so its not replacing anything, other than AT&T.

How much longer can this app survive? Especially considering that AT&T is the one being hurt here, and they are also subsidizing the hardware.

if Opera offers a faster browser on iPhone, Should (will) Apple Allow it?

Image via CrunchBase

Here's an intriguing move in the complex and dynamic world of jockeying for network advantage.  

Reuters is reporting that:

Norwegian browser company Opera Software said it would launch a version of its Mini browser for Apple's iPhone next week, offering faster download speeds.

Opera said the browser would offer consumers up to six times faster download speeds than Apple's own, and cut data traffic by up to 90 percent. Massive data traffic from iPhone mobile phones has caused problems for many operators networks.

Some analysts said Apple could try to stop rivals from access to iPhone as smooth Internet browsing has been a key feature behind the success of the iPhone.

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What should Apple do?  More importantly, what will Apple do?
 

Evolution of Apple's Architecture

Here is an interesting picture that shows how Apple is moving away from proprietary ports and connections on its products. I am posting it because it elaborates on our discussion in class today regarding Apple Firewire in iPod. It also shows the broader evolution in the personal computing architecture over time. The source blogpost for the picture is here.