The V Revolution

Without a doubt, the biggest technology story of the week has been the release of the new iPod that plays videos. A device like the new iPod was predictable, but it is no less revolutionary. For those that are unaware what iPods or PSPs are, ask any school aged child and you will probably get an informative synopsis in short order. iPods and PSPs are hands down the leaders of the portable device market. They bring different strengths to the portable device market. PSPs focus is primarily on games, but they also play movies. iPods have traditionally focused on music, but now they have incorporated T.V. and movie downloads.
What makes the PSP and video iPod revolutionary, and yes they are revolutionary, is not the fact they play videos and because they are portable. Other companies like Archos have had portable devices that can play mp4 formatted files, on the market for a few years. The difference is how the PSP and video iPod have changed other markets. The PSP have major movies released for play on their devices, and the video iPod have movies and television programs that are being formatted for their devices. This is in conjunction with the ability to play mp3 audio files. The significance of this is that it signals an evolution of sorts. Do not be surprised to see more movies and T.V. programs designed specifically for play on these devices. It is not unreasonable to believe that the ability to purchase or download commercial free T.V. shows on devices such as these will begin to siphon a significant portion of the population that now view programs on television.
Television stations are already adapting to the changing technological landscape. Television stations such as KOLD have begun offering their news broadcasts online, Although KOLD does not offer news podcasts as many other T.V. stations, and the theme is the same. Convenience is what viewers want. Vodcasts or video broadcasts offer viewers the flexibility to view the programs at their convenience. They allow patrons to view shows on demand. You can’t get more convenient than that. Vodcasts are also a democratizing medium. One or two people can create Vodcasts relatively inexpensively. This means that the market is wide open for individuals or small companies to create programs for viewing on PSP’s or iPods. Most vodcasts are viewed online, but expect to see more making their way to portable devices.
The next step for PSPs and iPods are a convergence of technologies. In order for portable devices to fulfill their potential they must assimilate existing technologies like hi-definition screens, voice ip capabilities, and an extended battery life. The final component of the next generation of iPod or PSP is phone capabilities. The phone should have Bluetooth enabled so that it can be answered with an earpiece without interrupting the file playing on the device.
Still not sold on Vodcasts? Here are some sites to get your feet wet.
www.kold.com
www.feedroom.com
www.vodcasts.tv