Apple

The next TV GUI remains elusive

Dan O'Shea — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:31:04 -0500

Several vendor booths at TelcoTV 2008 last week showed that the sector's technology innovators are continuing to work on new ideas for the consumer interface to TV and video programming. Whether that will occur mostly through a box like a Roku or Vudu unit, or through a graphical user interface more integrated with an IPTV service, remains to be seen. Light Reading's Contentinople points out that this is one area Apple has not been able to revolutionize (at least not yet). TelcoTV exhibitors were only too happy to show booth visitors their latest mosaic GUI display capabilities or the speed of their search and channel change functions, but the emphasis with most was on providing the consumer many different possible interfaces, and allowing them to choose.

For more:
Light Reading's Contentinople reports

Microsoft licenses Flash

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 07:59:20 -0400

Adobe's Flash player is emerging as the dominant mobile standard for mobile video after Microsoft and Adobe inked a licensing deal this week. The deal follows similar agreements with Nokia and Verizon to deploy Flash Lite. The Microsoft deal enables web browsing of Flash Player-compatible content on future editions of Windows Mobile-based handsets as well as the Internet Explorer browser.

With half a million devices already loaded with Flash Lite and Flash the technology of choice for an increasing number of content creators the technology is fast becoming become the de facto standard for mobile rich media. The only hold-out is Apple which developed its own player for video content for the iPhone.

For more:
- Adobe Microsoft licensing announcement

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Apple joins Avid in NAB snub

Tom Burton — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 06:59:40 -0500

Apple has followed its arch rival Avid and pulled out of the NAB2008 trade show, leaving the big Las Vegas conference without the two major suppliers of editing solutions. Apple announced its decision not to participate late last week, saying it was focusing on its shops and online site as its major sales channels. Avid last year pulled out of the April show. Both had major exhibits last year with Avid having 350 staff associated with the exhibit.

Apple's decision to not attend comes after chief executive Steve Jobs last month announced Apple's intention to pursue a more aggressive online video strategy. Jobs announced video rentals would be made available from iTunes. Both Avid and Apple's decision not to go to NAB2008 was being seen as a cost cutting exercise in the face of softer demand by media players who in turn are seeing ad revenue taper. Apple has been enjoying increased market growth in the media sector since adopting an Intel chip in their machines. Sony, the other player in the video editing sector is still planning to attend NAB2008.

For more:
- Apple wins media acceptance but eschews trade show Article
- Apple and Avid wont be at NAB Article

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