Homezone

Akimbo is Dead

Bernie — Sun, 25 May 2008 14:46:45 -0400

Akimbo, an Internet video-on-demand service provider is no more. They’ve made it to TechCrunch’s dreaded Deadpool. It’s somewhat of a puzzling development, since Akimbo raised $56 million just three months ago. Akimbo had shifted their business model to a “white label” provider of Internet VOD. CenturyTel recently launched an Internet VOD product, powered by Akimbo. Akimbo was also featured in AT&T’s Homezone product. Akimbo’s demise gives Internet VOD somewhat of a blackeye. They originally started as a hardware provider, offering VOD set-top-boxes. They then shifted to a Internet only model, and their last iteration before death was a “white label” provider. Is there an Internet VOD model that works, because it looks like Akimbo tried them all?

AT&T Keen On Differentiation For U-Verse

Bernie — Wed, 16 May 2007 00:00:00 -0400

AT&T is focusing on a series of new applications for its U-Verse service to build competitive advantage over entrenched Cablecos. Some of these applications are already known (and in use), including the U-bar, an interactive component that allows users to access weather, sports, or traffic information on their television screen; access to online photos; whole-home DVR; and Caller ID on the TV. AT&T is also using U-verse’s close cousin, Homezone to test new applications. Remote control of Homezone features via a mobile phone is a great example. Launched for Homezone subscribers already, this service is soon to be available for U-verse subscribers. AT&T goes on record to say that it intends to use the full power of IP to differentiate itself from the competition, and ultimately win. It’s a high stakes gamble – one being played out by the entire telecom/cable industry.

Read this excellent ScreenPlays article for more details.

Remote DVR Programming - But Does Anyone Care?

Bernie — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 22:06:15 -0500

Both AT&T and Verizon will soon offer remote programming of a DVR from cell phones. Not to be outdone, their cable competitors will soon offer it as well, through their partnership with Sprint. AT&T is launching the service for their Homezone product, which pairs DSL with Dish TV satellite service and a DVR set top box. I’m sure their IPTV platform, U-verse is not too far behind.

The real question here may be, so what? Jupiter Research says only 10% of respondents from a recent survey expressed any interest in such a product. Or this might be one of those rare points in technology development history when a new service receives a great big yawn at launch, only to take the world by storm. Depending on who you ask, wireless SMS had a similar yawn. But look at it now.

Read this Red Herring article for the details