An Look at Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV

Nice roundup at Boing Boing for your thoughts.

I’ve got to say Roku sounds like they’re coming out ahead here.  I’m also wondering how they stand politically – independent or in danger of a buy-out?

Still, maybe it’s time to send them a resume.

– Steven

 

 

3/7/2012: The Inevitable Apple Roundup

OK, yes, lots of Apple announcements today, so let’s get to ’em because they announced a ton of stuff.

  • A new iPad, which surprises no one. Sounds like they’re focusing on better visuals (both display and camera) for this one, plus a lot of extraws (LTE, acting as a hotspot, etc.) All these changes (and adapted software), are really pushing the iPad towards a kind of “everyunit.”
  • Apparently the latest Siri will have a dictation function, further confirming Apple’s focus on voice. I imagine the people at Nuance are a bit nervous, and rightfully so. If course they probably saw the writing on the wall awhile ago, which would explain their further move into medicine.
  • Surprising no one, the new Apple TV is coming. It doesn’t sound radically different – then again, Apple doesn’t DO radically different. It’s mostly some new integration, better interface, and so on – though I figure it’s going to get better support. My guess is it’s still being figured out, since some of it is basically turning a TV into a big monitor.
  • An iOS upgrade, but that’s probably the most boring announcement.

What’s intriguing to me is that this is all evolutionary not revolutionary – but that’s exactly what Apple does. There’s little that’s unexpected, but you can slowly see all the plans coming together in what’s obviously a suite of integrated devices and opportunities, really extending previous Apple plans.

A few takeaways:

  • Nuance, as I noted, may have seen the writing on the wall.  If you’re in tech ask yourself what companies may become redundant as common consumer tech advances – and then ask if you’re working in those areas.
  • Apple TV still doesn’t seem quite “fully formed” to me.  I’m waiting to see what more they do (though it’s cheap enough I may get one).  I think we’ve got a few iterations to go, at least software-wise, for it to evolve to it’s full potential.  This gives competitors an in.

Steven Savage