BRotD - Entry 0259 The TV Bundle

Best Reading of the Day

One of the more interesting ongoing stories in the Age of the Customer is the ongoing revolution in "Television".

Can we call it TV if we watch a streaming video on our phone?

Anyway ...

This great read tell the history, the current situation, and where we are headed.  Well worth your time.

https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/5/2/18518666/bundle-tv-hbo-disney-netflix-apple-amazon-war

Here is a snippet from the piece:

Now you have more TV than you could possibly watch, for less than $50 a month, and we haven’t even gotten to the free stuff yet. The only people who will feel truly left out here — besides people who work in the Television Industrial Complex — are the ones who want to watch live major league sports or live news from traditional TV networks.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

New Streaming Video Services

With the news from Apple's big event today you would think I would write about the new AppleTV streaming service.

Nah.

Amazon is the really interesting kid on the block to look at.

Why?

Data.

I've heard Amazon employees talk about swimming in oceans of data.  Outside looking in we have little idea what they have on us.  Let's take a small look at that and how it gives them a competitive advantage in streaming video services.

Read a part of the story here:

Facebook knows who you want to be, but Amazon knows who you really are,” says Alan Wolk, Co-Founder and Lead Analyst at TVREV, a TV- and advertising-focused analyst group. “People may like Starbucks on Facebook even if they only go three times a year, but Amazon knows they have a standing order for Maxwell House. The advantage for a lot of these franchises is, Amazon can sell a lot of merchandise and a lot of ads.”

That point extends far beyond The Lord of the Rings. Sports content is another big entertainment focus; Prime members can stream Thursday Night Football. Last week, the company also reportedly reached a deal with the New York Yankees and Sinclair Broadcasting to purchase the YES Network.

“Amazon knows who’s tuned into the Giants game,” says Wolk. “When Eli Manning goes for a touchdown, they can put jerseys on sale and see if people buy them if they’re $38 or $40. Do they buy two minutes after the touchdown or five? It’s scary how much they know about everyone.”

Here is the full story:

https://www.clickz.com/amazon-entertainment-advantages/228248/

Here is a piece on how Apple's new streaming service might lead to an Apple Prime membership:

https://www.zdnet.com/article/why-apples-streaming-video-service-should-lead-to-apple-prime-subscription-bundle/

Oh, and, here is a piece on AppleTV's new streaming service:

https://thenextweb.com/plugged/2019/03/25/apple-tv-gets-an-overhaul-is-now-available-on-more-devices/

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple's New Products 2018

Yawn.

Yes, I've been saying that for years now.  I'm a week removed from the product launch event and still haven't posted anything.

A new iPhone.

A new iPad?

A new iWatch err, I mean, Apple Watch.

This is the result of maturation of the product line and therefore isn't really newsworthy any more.  That is all fine.  Really.

Here we go:

iPhone Alphabet Soup

Who in the world came up with their naming convention for this lineup?  Last year we went from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 8 to the ... iPhone X.  Heh.  So clever (I have one and it is fantastic).  So where to go now?

The iPhone XS
The iPhone XS Max
The iPhone XR

What? Yeah.  A bigger option.  A cheaper option.  30 minutes more battery life! Faster! Fine. 

"Hey Joe, is that the new iPhone?"

"Yeap!  I love it.  This one is the "ten ess MAX".

"Huh? You mean the X S Max right?"

"Huh?"

Apple Watch Series 4

My Series 1 watch just had a issue.  The watch face, the screen of the tiny computer on my watch, just went flying off during a workout.  I'm on standby considering my options.  Apparently the early batteries had an issue where some would gradually enlarge.  Apple was even forced to increase the warranty from 1 to 3 years.  Mine is 3 and 1/2 years old.  Mmmhmmm.

The Series 4 has a bigger flatter screen and more rounded edges.  Okay.

Here is an article on this subject that provides some details I did not:

https://www.recode.net/2018/9/12/17850362/apple-iphone-xs-event-apple-watch-series-4-airpods

Some reports indicate Apple will announce new iPad and Mac devices later:

https://www.forbes.com/sites/brookecrothers/2018/09/15/up-next-for-apple-2018-macbook-air-new-ipad-pro/#5070fa843e26

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple's WWDC 2017

The Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) Apple holds every year is an opportunity for the folks in Cupertino to showcase their software work, but has recently been a source for hardware announcements as well.

I think we are seeing the end of the big event announcements from Apple as their new products have been underwhelming year after year.

At this year's conference we saw a slew of software updates such as the new iOS as well as upgrades to hardware and Apple's first new hardware in over 2 years.

I'll capture a bit of the news and provide links for further reading.

The biggest news is a great point of focus to help us see how different Apple is under CEO Cook vs. the days under Jobs.  Cook was the supply chain guy at Apple so why should we expect great creative new product breakthroughs?  Incremental work is what you'd expect from such a leader and that's what we've seen.  Take, for example, the announcement of the Apple HomePod.  This is their competitor to the Amazon and Google devices, the Amazon Echo and Google Home, that have both been quite successful.

Apple HomePod

In the old days under Jobs Apple would have been 2nd or 3rd to the market, exactly as they've done here, but they would have taken the time to learn what works & what doesn't to provide an entry that blows away the competitors.  This device is underwhelming in every way including the name.  Only in one way does it retain the Apple method of old: its the most expensive version of such devices.  This time, however, it isn't nearly worth the price.

Anything Else?

Sure.  Updates to iOS.  An incremental set of changes to the iPad Pro that make it more like the Microsoft Surface tablets (yet still well short).  A super expensive MAC and new MacOS.

Anyway, to read on check out the folks at Re/Code.  As usual their write-up is excellent:

https://www.recode.net/2017/6/5/15740882/wwdc-2017-need-to-know-apple-ios-watchos-mac-ipad-siri

You should read this piece on why one analyst misses Steve Jobs:

http://www.zdnet.com/article/i-miss-steve-jobs-and-his-reality-distortion-field/

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple Event

Ahhh September.  Remember when we couldn't wait to hear the latest from Cupertino about their magical devices?  Those days seem long gone but there is still considerable buzz generated when Apple puts on a show.

New iPhone, the 7, with a new Apple Watch, the Series 2, and a whole slew of other goodies await...

Apple Watch

Looks just like the first one, on my wrist now, but with some internal enhancements.  Water resistance is official now, still square, GPS built in (nice) and ... wait for it ... Pokemon Go on the watch.  What?  Okay, maybe that'll get a few folks excited.

White ceramic is a new material choice.

Folks are noticing a definite slant away from luxury brand and towards fitness with this offering.  Looks like Apple has learned from usage over the last 18 months (I've used mine heavily for health and wellness but couldn't care less about the luxury portion).

Nike got out of the hardware business a while ago but they are back in through a partnership with Apple.  The Nike Apple Watch+

By the way, what is missing here?  The Apple Watch "Edition" that was priced over $10,000.  Looks like the move towards luxury was a mistake for the product line and Apple is making the correction.  The Ceramic watch replaces the Edition but is priced at about $1,200.

Read on:
http://www.recode.net/2016/9/7/12837144/apple-watch-os-updates-new-features-apple-event

Apple iPhone 7

A jet black option.

Nice new camera work.  Faster, better, more amazing.  The phone is as well.

They finally upped the storage in this.  The base 16 GB is now gone, with a new standard at 32 GB.  That is almost mandatory given the 4K video we now have on these phones. Next step up is also incrementally increased.  No more 64 GB option, rather you go straight to 128 GB. Great for us power users.

The biggest news ... the headphone jack is gone.  Gone!  After many many decades.  You will get a set of bluetooth connected headphones, in-ear style.  You'll also get a dongle to plug "old" headphone jacks in through the one remaining opening, the lightning jack.  Want to listen to music in the airport while your iPhone charges?  Good luck.  I basically hate this decision, but I also understand what it opens up for Apple going forward.  Just seems arrogant to me.

Oh, that fancy Jet Black option?  Apple says it will likely scratch easily so they recommend buying a case for it.  Yes.  They did that.

Apple Pay is coming to Japan.  Apparently they use a particular protocol there that wasn't supported.  It will be now.

Further reading?

http://www.recode.net/2016/9/7/12837562/iphone-7-camera-airpods

iPad

Basic updates to their iPad and Pro lines.  Mostly focused on upping the storage, just like the iPhone, to a 32 GB base.

No Apple TV news.  That thing just isn't working out is it?

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple WWDC Underwhelms

Another Apple event underwhelms. Me too?  Yeap.

Not too surprising.  Seems the innovation edge is on pause at Apple right now.

Read more:

http://thenextweb.com/apple/2016/06/13/wwdc-apple-disguises-fun-innovation/

Here is a snippet from the piece:

This year’s keynote felt like an afterthought, full of announcement for features all too familiar to many of us who regularly pay attention the the tech industry. Try as it might to spin them as new, Apple’s announcements this year were just a bunch of “me too” moves inspired by competitors and popular apps.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple March Event

Hello Tech Fans,

The March Apple event is in the books (with a bit of a disagreement continuing between Apple and the U.S. Government on privacy).  I see nothing that will impact most industries.  The "CareKit" open source software Apple has provided will provide new potential for those looking to create health and wellness apps.

I'm a big fan of the work the folks over at ArsTechnica do so be sure to check out their posts if you want any more information on the items I'm about to cover:

http://arstechnica.com/

Their live blog for the event had been captured in its entirety here:

http://live.arstechnica.com/apples-march-2016-event/

The news.

Smaller iPhone
If you still like the smaller 4" form factor of the iPhone before they got big with the 6 (and really big with the 6 Plus), and you don't need every new feature in the latest phone, and you would prefer to save a few bucks, then the news on the iPhone SE should make you happy.

Smaller iPad Pro
Wait, I thought the point of the iPad Pro was it is really big and can replace your laptop?  So now they have a 9.7" iPad Pro, that absolutely is NOT a fancy version of the 9.7" iPad Air 2.  Right?  Right.  Got it.

iOS 9.3
This will be a nice improvement for home users for one big reason: support for nighttime reading.  The dim settings will now be custom designed to prevent any issues with reading in bed on your iPad just before you (try) to get to sleep.

Anything Else?
Nahh, not really. We don't need to read about more Apple Watch bands do we?  Nope. Nor about how great the Apple TV is?  Didn't think so.

See you in the summer for more Apple news.

Happy Reading,

J.W. Gant

Apple's September Event

This is the day Apple announces all of the new goodies in its hardware product lineup.  Awesome right?!!?

Not so fast.

The expectations by those following the leaks are painting an unhappy picture.  What will the day actually bring?  Time to find out.

Apple Watch
Apple is following up on the release of the Apple Watch by announcing ... new bands.  New colors.  Fancy (and expensive) new partnerships.  Etc.

Next one up will be big right?

iPad Pro
We've been hearing about a large size iPad for some time now and Microsoft is seeing increasing success with its Surface lineup of tablet/PCs.  Apple has to respond right?  And they will amaze us right?

Not so fast.

At 12.6" vertical this tablet is huge and is quite powerful.  Plus you have the option to buy more goodies to go with it!  Like ... a pencil.  Or ... a keyboard.

Wait isn't that the Microsoft Surface Pro 3?

This thing is expensive.  It starts at $799 for the 32GB version, and you can add $99 for the pencil and another $169 for the keyboard.  Wow.  Will the war for the Enterprise be won be a pure tablet?  This is positioned head to head with the Surface lineup so we are going to find out.  The biggest surprise however was ... Microsoft on the stage with Apple to show you MS Office.  Wow!  Didn't see that coming.

So, something huge will come right?

Apple TV
Finally an update to Apple TV. Do I really care at this point?  My smart TV does everything I can imagine, including cook my dinner.  Do I need to shell out more for this new widget from Apple?

Maybe.  Improved apps.  A solid UI.  A good looking and seemingly intuitive remote control that can be a game controller as well.  Games.  Hmmm.  They might sell a bunch of these.  It'll use tvOS instead of iOS.  That means it is now its own platform, just like the Watch or the Phone, or even the iPad.  More software sales for Apple, but they make almost all of their money on hardware anyway. Another plus for the Apple TV is integration with Siri for voice control ... assuming it works okay since Siri doesn't seem to provide value for many folks on their iPhone or Apple Watch.

I do think MLB is doing great work in the digital streaming space. The app for Apple TV is excellent looking.  Marrying data to live game coverage is awesome.  But I don't watch sports anymore anyway so this means nothing to me.

Starts at $149 for 32GB or get the 64GB version for $199. This will sell.

iPhone Update
iPhone 6S and 6S Plus.  Basically the same as last year's but with big changes inside.

A new color: Rose Gold.  A new screen called Ion-X, not the Sapphire screen on the more expensive Apple Watches.  Still, anything to help the screen's toughness is good.

3D Touch - As expected Apple has taken the 'Force Touch' screen interaction from the Apple Watch and brought it to the iPhone. They didn't get good press for the use of "Force".  A friend of mine described this as essentially "right-click" for all you Windows users out there.  That seems right to me.  You can interact with apps without opening them through 3D Touch.  I like that new layer of interaction.  They've worked hard to embed this in the OS so it impacts many things you are familiar with. Now you just have to figure out when you can use the feature.  "Can I right-click this?  Left-click?  Oh, okay."

Haptic touch engine to allow the phone to essentially vibrate and interact with you.  Another feature on the Watch.

Big performance updates which also means improved performance for games.

The camera is much better at 12 megapixels but there are others far better on the market today. The dern camera lens still protrudes from the back of the phone.  I have disliked that a LOT with my iPhone 6 and have cracked lens already as well. Nice software updates for the camera.  Only pros need a dedicated camera now.  Seriously.  Of course, 12 megapixels mean the pictures will be much bigger and require much more storage on your phone.  It will take 4K video, that is 2160p resolution.  Also a huge drain on storage.

Pricing: Still starts at $199 for the 16GB model.  For $299 you can get 64GB.  They are pushing you to spend ridiculous rates on memory.  As usual.  However, they've created an installment plan so you can endlessly upgrade, and endlessly give Apple more money.  Okay, that last bit might have been harsh.  But wait!  You can use iCloud storage to handle your memory needs.  At an additional cost.

Overall I find myself laughing at this non-event event.  Will there be one more thing?

The band is playing.  I think we are at the end.  Only 2 hours too.