Latitude

Last week, we introduced a series that will explicate 3 high-level takeaways (and future projections about them) from CES.

1. Follow Me Wherever I Go: The Next Level in Shifted Media [problems & solutions] [opportunities]

2. See Me, Hear Me, Touch Me: Growing Expectations for Immersive Content Experiences [problems & solutions] [opportunities]
3. Devices in Disguise: Ubiquitous Connectivity Births Multitasking Gadgetry [problems & solutions] [opportunities]

We’re using a Problem-Solution framework here to discuss the larger themes at hand; the follow-up posts for each theme will extend this into the realm of Opportunity.

Theme #1: Follow Me – The Next Level in Shifted Media

While place- and screen-shifting are nothing new—Sling led the way a few years ago, and a variety of over-the-top TV services evolved recently, including Boxee’s addition of an actual box—this year, it gets easier to move more content; expanded services and functionality are cropping up in a number of mainstream devices and brands.

It won’t be long before users expect seamlessly shifted content mid-stream (and without having to press a button).

Three Key Drivers for Shifted Media Experiences

1. Greater variety in tools and offerings allow users to tap into the cloud to easily manage both professionally produced and personally created content.
2. It is no longer just about individual convenience and access, as sharing becomes a key component of the experience.
3. Audio begins to play an increasingly important role in keeping people connected both inside and outside of the home.

The Problem(s):

What needs or desires does place-shifting address?

Wishing you could show that YouTube video to the rest of the family on the living room TV.  Shifting that movie you started to your PC so your spouse can watch live TV in the living room.  Wanting to finish that compelling news story on the commute into work.  In short, hoping for a seamless experience with content no matter where you are, or where you are going halfway through.

The Solution(s):

What products and services are currently hitting the market to address this problem?

Solutions at this year’s CES came from both hardware and software makers, giving consumers a wide array of choices to move both mainstream and personal content across devices easily.

Enhancements to existing favorites:

• Sling Media offers HD placeshifting and announced support for Adobe Flash, making it easy to get the SlingPlayer on devices ranging from Android to Sony Playstation
• Boxee gets user friendly with a $200 D-link box
• Pogoplug adds new features, more USB ports, and instant sharing to favorite social media networks

Mainstream brands in the foray:

• Kodak’s Pulse Digital Frame – WiFi enabled with its own email address, it allows for easy distribution of personal photos to multiple frames
• GefenTV Wireless for HD 60HZ Extender – wirelessly transmit 1080p video/audio up to 30 feet to a home theater receiver or video display
• Intel’s WiDi – wireless display technology

Open software solutions:

• Instantly drag that Facebook photo on your PC to a digital frame in the bedroom with PacketVideo’s Twonkymedia
• Sugar Sync and Dazzboard act like MobileMe for more devices

… and in Mobile TV:

• Tivit from Valups enables PCs and smartphones to receive mobile DTV via WiFi (photo above)

In our next post, we’ll look beyond existing solutions to extrapolate new opportunities which arise from the desire (everyday becoming more “expectation” than far-fetched “what if…”) to shift content seamlessly across devices.

Latitude is a research-driven consultancy for technology and media companies. We work with clients to discover and develop opportunities for next-generation content, software, and communications technologies through a combination of web-based applications and innovative research methods. Email ischulte@latd.com to learn more about working with Latitude.

Header image courtesy of krynsky’s flickr, (cc) some rights reserved.