RemainComm

Filling the "White Spaces"

 I found the phrase "white spaces" interesting when it was announced yesterday that the FCC has allowed conditional unlicensed use of "white spaces" television spectrum. In an attempt to avoid getting bogged down in tech speak. This is the radio spectrum that is now available as a result of TV's switch to digital.

Once the FCC found that the issue of interference with existing radio signals could be overcome through technology that shuts down any device using the "white space" once it senses another signal, granting access was a slam dunk.

Companies like Google and Microsoft herald the decision as a way to allow widespread mobile adoption. On the other hand, broadcast companies (seeing yet another reason to claim "everybody is out to get us") and the likes of Verizon (already hot to charge more for services) are less than thrilled.

As I have said previously, I personally am thrilled with anything that allows the growth and spread of mobile access if it leads us closer to parity with other countries (Luxembourg for God's sake) in services offered wirelessly. I am also concerned as a radio fan. This magic sensing thing-a-ma-bob that prevents interference with existing frequencies sure better work. The last thing any "channel" needs is a return to the "party line" annoyance of too many on a channel. Ick!

"White spaces"  also triggered in me another use of that term. A use that I see benefitting many media channels. As of late yesterday the flood of political advertising stopped...I'll pause as you jump up and down with joy and do a couple of Tiger Woods arm pumps...done? This sudden loss of "content" in itself reveals a whole lot of "white space".

There's Room For You On the Bandwagon

It started with a post from Doc Searls and..well..many of the folks I follow in the blogosphere started posting it. Excuse me while I hop on the bandwagon and post it for your consideration (if you haven't already seen it).

The folks at MoFuse have a cool little application to help you take your blog mobile. Check it out here.

Couple of quick tips...

1. Try to avoid the temptation to use all of the options. For mobile, the simpler the better. Not everyone has a the iPhone 3G.
2. Don't forget to post the link on your blog somewhere to alert your constituency that you have a mobile version. MoFuse offers PHP script for automatic forwarding, but not all blog services offer the ability to implemnt it. Like my Typepad account.
3. Remember, the content is still the most important thing...no matter how cool the technology.

I'm gonna hop down off the bandwagon now.

Futuretainment or…Presentainment?

I caught a great post by O’Reilly’s Robert Kaye the other day. Robert’s coverage of ETech in San Francisco included a rundown of Mike Walsh’s Futuretainment: The Asian Media Revolution presentation. Here are some highlights on the topic of how the young people in Asia consume media compared to the good ol’ US of A…

Because many of the kids were born in the post Mao era, they have no idea what media was like as it evolved in the US and Western Europe. (CD’s? Never heard of ‘em.) Mike points out that most Asian’s use the internet for their main source of entertainment and they get most of that on their cell phones, not at the desktop. They have no problem creating multiple identities online, are more “group” focused yet seek to find a higher status for themselves in those groups on line.

Here’s something that we all have seen in movies but probably never really grasped…”Asian cultures blend low tech solutions with hi tech solutions seamlessly. For instance, while nearly everyone has a mobile phone in their pocket, bamboo is still used to build scaffolding for buildings.” Wow!

What all this increased “density of information” has lead to is Asians being able to grasp many more pieces of information at once and the culture actually cranking out so much more content. This is fascinating stuff.

As I consider all of this I’m struck by the word “futuretainment.” It’s quite easy to point to all of this and say this is the future of media in the US. To some degree, I believe that to be true. But, I’m not sure our culture will evolve the same way. Consider the circumstances for this “revolution” in Asia, specifically China. Here are a people who for years were cutoff from the advances (a very subjective term) that we experienced. It’s like the lid being lifted off a barrel in the rain. Suddenly all of this history, these advances, and this growth just start pouring in on a people that were familiar with something so simplistic. Of course there is a need to quickly decide what to adopt and what to scoop out of the barrel. If they didn’t they would surely drown. So what you see are a people hurdling over some of the stuff that has become part of our culture, in effect being unburdened by history. They don’t need to or even can stop at the CD era if it’s already passé. Why spend money on or time sitting in front of a computer when they can take it all with them on a phone.

In the US, for better or worse, we as a people are naturally going to be a bit slower to adopt. In many cases we are content with where media is and see no reason to change. For the purposes of example, we’ve spent our money on the CD and player or the computer. We’ll get to the mp3 player and smart phone; just give us a bit more time. Damn, this history of innovation can be a real burden, can’t it?

So while the “media revolution” is raging on in Asia, it may not necessarily be the future but the present without all the encumbrances of a past. Who knows, the Asian youth may decide that creating new IM accounts, assuming different identities for different purposes and precipitating virtual characters landing sponsorship deals is a waste of time and return to more simplistic “bamboo-centric” pursuits. That sure would allow all of us to stop paddling so hard in our barrel.

It’s Thursday, Must Be Radio: My week with Nabbit

Today you’ll find both radio (see why I talk radio each Thursday here.) and a new mobile application to go with it. A new media blogger’s double-play, sweet!

Back in early November Jumptech launched its beta version of Nabbit. This mobile application allows you to "tag" songs and commercials while listening to your favorite radio stations. I’m all about finding ways to build on the relationship between radio stations and their listeners so I was anxious to get up and running with this, especially since Jumptech is a company located right here in the Twin Cities. Hey, let’s here it for the home team. (Wow, two baseball references in one post.)

So, I head to the Nabbit website and sign up. Please keep in mind, though I do have pretty good knowledge of computers and cell phones I would not consider myself much better at installing software than the average user. Anyway, now that I’m registered, I go to set up my cell phone. Nabbit works with many of the new web-enabled “smart” phones. They have a list of models that the application has been configured to work with that provides an easy install…at least that would be the impression you would get. Of course, just my luck, my Treo 650 is not “easily” supported. Here is where the first "needs an easy button.” warning goes off. That’s cool though, remember, this is a “beta” version so the Jumptech guys are still shaking it out. After some surfing, downloading, installing and a few more e-mails to Nabbit, I’m up and running. This has become a 2 day experience. “Easy button.”

MMS, SMS, and M&M’s

As part of a project that I’m working on, I’ve been spending a bit of time in the world of mobile and cell phones. While clicking around the ether I became curious about what was going to be the next big thing. That actually led me to start wondering, if there is a “next big thing” what will it mean for past big things, specifically SMS, or as you and I know it, text messaging. 

I’ve always been a fan of Steve Smith at Mobile Insider so, what the heck, I’ll pose the question to him. That question, "What's next for SMS?"  More specifically, will it remain just a way to talk without using voice or paper and a way to vote for your favorite Dancing With the Stars couple or will it become more or…for that matter…less?    

Steve’s response was quite simple, “I don’t think that text is going anywhere. Until the carriers get MMS cross-carrier compatible and alter user habits, they have nothing that is so compatible, easy, familiar and ubiquitous for users.” This is point that I have addressed in the past. The massive need for The Easy Button as it pertains to using a new tool is paramount. 

Steve goes on to say that familiarity and ease is also important. “A lot of people, especially younger ones, prefer the curt, uncomplicated mode of communication of the SMS environment.” He continues, “One thing we didn’t anticipate when it comes to digital communications is how much less is more for a lot of people.” In the last week, in playing with a new mobile application and juggling the bowling balls involved in accessing it, I thought, “Texting this would be so much easier.” It’s like my fondness for chocolate; for me, even with all the fancy candy out there, nothing beats a bag of M&M’s. I know them, I can get them anywhere, and their cheap...easy.

Of course, I’m always looking for the monetization of our communication and Steve commented, “I think SMS will remain the main revenue driver for the (mobile) carriers when it comes to data and a primary trigger for initiating off-deck relationships with users. It isn’t going anywhere because people like it, know it and have no viable alternative on the horizon. Everything else is R&D and nice technologies to wait-and-see with, but nothing even remotely challenges SMS.” 

So with that said, here’s the challenge; how do we push the capabilities of mobile farther without making it too complicated. What is the next need for mobile users ("almond M&M's") and more importantly, how can we satisfy it simply? Then, who will pay for it? This platform offers so much let’s not waste it…at the same time, let’s not abuse it. The users deserve and will demand it. 

 

Revisiting RemainComm

 

I want to take an opportunity to follow-up on some of the posts you’ve seen here…

ADM-About Da Money-Things are rolling along with the formation of the Association for Downloadable Media, most importantly the announcement of its first open meeting. If you’re into the whole new media thing and your headed for the Podcast and New Media Expo coming up September 28-30 in Ontario, CA, the meeting will happen at 7:30am on the 28th. Learn more by clicking here. I also want to encourage you to join, especially if you’re about making money with podcasting or any downloadable media. 

A Note For the Teacher-I heard back from my son’s communications teacher and she is anxious to dedicate a unit to communicating in the world of new media. I love that! She has also asked for my help. So I’d love to hear from you. If you have ideas on what to include in teaching middle school kids about text, e-mail, blogging and more. Feel free to e-mail me here.

Google gives a little “push” to make more “pull”-Some activity in the FCC auction of the 700mHz band. Though the FCC didn’t completely go along with Google’s requests for a completely open platform, they did set aside some of the best real estate in the spectrum to be used by a carrier “as a network that is open to any devices and services." Google still hasn’t committed to be part of the bidding but Steve Jobs and Apple have started to express some interest. Apple vs. Google, Apple vs. AT&T, “dogs sleeping with cats”…This auction, set for January 16th, 2008, could be fun to watch, to say the least.

From Parlor to Palm

With the speed by which the world of communication is changing, every once in awhile I stop and try to take it all in. This is one of those times. 

Back in 1987, while Bon Jovi was replacing Debbie Gibson on the radio and I was just getting rid of my amber computer monitor, I remember talking with some friends about the state of entertainment and information at a radio gathering. We were talking about where technology had led us and where it was headed. The days of the family huddling around the radio in the parlor were well behind us, radio and TV had made an indelible mark on all of us. We had all had made enough “mix tapes” and boy weren’t those CD things cool, and the internet? Hey, it might just take off. 

After many beers and some very in depth thinking (tequila shots) we were sure that there would be one “box” where you would receive all your entertainment and information including TV, Radio, Music, News, etc. You know, the “console” on high-tech steroids. You remember the “console”. Radio (AM and FM!), TV, record changer, and 8-track all in a “luxurious piece of furniture”. Many even had a remote. Remember that loud “snap” when you pushed the channel button. Of course that’s really where the computer is…almost.

But back in ’87 (insert “old-timer” voice here) we had no idea that brick we called a cell phone would evolve into the very same thing and fit into the palm of your hand. Clearly, we would have needed many more beers to even start that discussion. 

Imagine where we are going, not to mention how fast we’re getting there. Our kids can “text” faster than they can type (and some faster than they can think), e-mail is easier to get than a letter, pay phones are harder to find than Debbie Gibson music, and we can listen to what we want when we want. You can watch TV or surf the net (Of course, better TV and speedier internet is just around the corner.). If you’re lost, just open your GPS (now I really don’t need to stop for directions) and if someone wants to find you, your phone can be located the next time you use it (Yeah, the Bourne Ultimatum made me a bit paranoid. You?). 

What kind of habits do you have? The phone can relay your audio and video usage without you doing anything more than standing near a radio or TV. Family photos, more addresses than a Rolodex the size of a Volkswagen, your financial records, and a Village People ring tone, all right there in your hand. You might even be reading this on your Smartphone. And have you been to a concert lately? The folks that make Bic lighters are pissed! 

Whether you think this is a great way to save time, or just a big intrusion on your life, you have got be amazed. Of course, our kids know no other way...imagine what they’ll be coming up with when they are hanging around talking to friends in 2017. “Hey, remember when we use to gather the family around the old Nokia?” 

Radio and Today's New Technology

I know, I know...he's blogging about radio again. "Just when I think I'm out..." but today's post in RAIN: Radio and Internet Newsletter from Kurt Hanson about "Hints in iPhone Firmware.." got me thinking back to a comment I made to a post by another blogger some time ago. It seemed relevant in light what iPhoneology  had to say so I thought I'd repost it here (with some updates).

Clearly, streaming represents a pivotal point for radio. More and more of the business model relies on the internet and its related technology each day. The improvement of radio streaming capabilities is imperative. It only makes sense…if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. I caution, and think about this; your streaming station will join the multitude of “online stations”, stores and sites offering entertainment. Not to mention the hundreds of other broadcast stations that stream. Sheesh! And you thought competing with the other sticks in town was a bitch? 

Here’s a thought; beat ‘em and join ‘em? 

While broadcast radio continues to find and improve those relatively new ways to deliver product (streaming, etc.) it should also remember to make the current delivery outlet (a receiver) more appealing. It's scary to think that, based on recent research, consumers feel that radio isn't portable. Yikes, that was once one of it's strongest selling points. Remember ads for "portable" radios. 

We can talk about the content of radio for Days? Weeks? Months? Please, I’m aging as we speak. For purposes of this piece let’s approach this simply from the hardware side. Sadly, much of the blame lies with us as an industry. As technology has moved forward allowing for once unimaginable devices for providing entertainment to be introduced, the way we have integrated radio with those devices has stalled. When the "Walkman" appeared in the US in 1980 it was only a matter of what seemed like seconds that those "cassette players" had AM/FM capability.

Google gives a little “push” to make more “pull”.

If you noticed the bit of activity late in the week around the FCC 700 MHz auction, you noticed Google being big, strong, and, it appears, not “evil”. In a nutshell, the FCC has some spare bandwidth to sell off now that TV broadcasters are going digital. Google said it would participate in the FCC’s auction of the frequencies in the 700 MHz “wireless spectrum” (with its 4.6 billion dollar buy-in) if the Fed made it mandatory that the band remain open once sold. That means the consumer could use any type of equipment to access the band. According to Google Chief Exec, and guy with the really fat wallet, Eric Schmidt, “When Americans can use the software and handsets of their choice, over open and competitive networks, they win." He also stated Google’s desire to see another provision which would require other companies to be allowed to interconnect "at any technically feasible point" with the winning bidder's network. 

Hey, anytime somebody speaks out in the best interest of the public (read, “Me.”) I say great! Let the big guys put some pressure on to make sure that I get more control over what I want. You go Google! It also really gets the big wireless companies’ undies in a bunch. That’s just a little bonus.

It’s perfectly logical for Google to get into the wireless space. They already offer many services in that world. In addition, odds would be that now is the time to take a shot at it. In fact, consensus by many is that this auction of such prime “radio” real estate could be the last chance for a new company to get into wireless against the established players (AT&T, etc). It also makes sense that they would want to keep the source open. It’s what they do and they’ve made some decent scratch doing it.

So let’s say the FCC goes along with the suggestions and Google goes after the available bandwidth, is this really all bad? Perhaps it’s time for a new way of doing things. I spent many years dealing with and watching the aftermath of the auctioning of “move in” frequencies to small operators. It didn’t turn out well. In fact, it led to a bunch of operators losing a lot of money trying to compete and ultimately resulted in the Telecom act of 1996 and the consolidation of radio. And didn’t that turn out well? 

Plus, even if Google isn’t the winning bidder maybe a more open platform would drive the wireless companies to improve they way they do business. (Hey, maybe I could actually modify my plan without waiting on hold for 50 minutes listening to that insipid drum progression…Naaaah…that would be too good to be true.) One thing for sure is, open source and open platforms have always led to increased innovation in shorter time. C’mon, how long do you have to get your wireless butt kicked by Luxembourg
before you realize that some other parts of the world might be on to something?

Look, I’m like you. Anytime one of the big guys steps up and throws down the glove to the Fed I immediately think, “Hey, what are these guys up to?” Even when it’s a company that has the phrase “don’t be evil” chiseled into their foundation. But I also don’t think it will result in anything worse than what’s happened in the past…and the upside is soooo much better.

Update:Senator Dick Durbin, (D) Illinois hops on the open source train as he looks for input on the nation's broadband policy. Check out his post and the Legislation 2.0: National Broadband Project. More open source in action.

The iPhone...An Answer to World Peace?

Yep, add this to the already billions of posts about the iPhone. Though this might be a just a bit different from what you've grown use to seeing after the release of Apple's latest gizmo "that will change the way we____." Forget that it is exactly what was promised, that it really works the way all of the ads and podcasts said it would. Forget that it still needs some additions like text and a card slot. By the way, the real reason the iPhone is so huge is, like the iPod, it's dead freakin' sexy! Which is one of the reasons I think it may be a secret to world peace.

Let me set the stage here. I was working the below mentioned Conclave on the weekend of the iPhone's release. (More on 'clave in another post.) One of our attendees, Tom Webster of Edison Media Research and  blogger at The Infinite Dial, decided he would hop in line and pick up an iPhone. Now, Tom is a well respected and insightful thought leader in the world of research and communications. Some of the studies put forth by him and Edison have literally changed the face of radio broadcasting. He's also a great guy. So when he walks into a room there should be no shortage of people talking to him. However, put an iPhone in this guy's hand and you'd think he was walking into a dog show wearing a meat sport coat. All of us were crowded around his phone oohing and aahing, laughing and talking. It was like we were this great big group of long-time friends.

So here's my idea. We secure a couple thousand iPhones and start doling them out to select leaders of the gazillion of warring factions in the middle east. Think of it...hundreds of people from all cultures and religions crowded around touching the screen. Christian and Muslim, Shi'ite and Sunni happily flipping the pages of the music on iTunes, e-mailing their friends and zooming in and out on photos. The next thing you know suicide bombings cease, troops go home, cities are rebuilt, peace breaks out, and the price of gas sinks to a buck. C'mon, it could work...

Okay, probably not. But my point is this, the iPhone is about buzz and the way it makes people react. It's another one of those things that creates such interest that gadget freaks and non-techies alike join in. This is just plain old fashioned good marketing. The topic of interest is made so compelling it brings people together. So if we can create a well thought out plan that unifies us around something that is just popular perhaps we should do the same thing for something that is important.