Firstly, I would like to say that I think the iPod-touch looks fantastic. I would even say it is going to outsell the iPhone. But after seeing the online demos, Apple missed one simple but very important feature that would make it invaluable to me and I would expect many readers.
Let me set this up first.
The iPod-touch is much more then an iPod. Its a hybrid Internet device.. and an iPod (And an organizer as suggested by many). It has wireless networking, a great web browser for it size, is responsive and portable.
The key here is “Internet Device”.
In my study of future media trends, a main focus of this has been the change in habits of the way we consumer media. The main format of this is the lean back, living room, BIG TV experience.
A trend that has evolved in my study of this is that an Internet terminal in this zone has become very attractive. As Commercials are scarce in the living room of the future, baked in and product placement is very important. When something does come up on the screen that we are interested in, we tend to want to take a note, and let the show roll on. The main reason for this is that the living room experience is a group experience. It is not very nice if one out of three viewing, takes control to look at something he is interested in while the others wait..
In my home, we have an computer/web browser in the corner. Anyone can go up to it and lookup whatever they want. I actually get a lot of friends, while visiting, quickly check E-mail, or lookup something they wanted to show me. Its very handy.
The second trend that bring this all together is the fact that I have too many remote controls. Lets count them
- Display (TV or whatever)
- Digital TV STB
- DVD player-recorder / HD-DVD player / BluRay player.
- Cable Box / Satellite Box
- Apple TV or other Video Streaming devices available.
- Legacy VHS recorder
- Xbox360 / PS3
- Legacy Xbox / PS2
That is up to 8 remote control devices for a well connected AV room (Without doubling up).
It took 6 months before my wife could navigate this. Then if I change anything (Upgrade). Ouch!
So a universal remote control of some shape or form is required.
Then I see the iPod-touch. What an amazing device.
If only it had an IR-sender and a learning remote control application. It would be a dream come true to the complex living room of the future.
Unfortunately, I did not see any indication of an “IR-sender” feature on any documentation I have come across so far. And really, such functionality would need Apple to implement it. (Steve, are you reading this??)
In any case, lets make some noise in the blogesphere about this and give me a “digg”.
2 responses so far ↓
1 Andrew // Sep 10, 2007 at 5:43 pm
I went through this same idea with a PDA. It didn’t really work out like I had intended in the end.
2 jamieg // Sep 10, 2007 at 6:26 pm
Yes, I know where your coming from Andrew. I have tried to make some apps for windows devices using flash lite. They don;t work that well. But if the app was written FOR the device. I think the elegant and simply interface mythology used on the iPod-touch would work well with an integrated Programmable remote.
The only REAL draw back in my mind is that its nice to have a remote that is tactile and has buttons you can feel, as it much easier to use it without looking at it.
James
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