The Buzzword Breakdown Series is supported by The Network, Cisco’s technology news site. The Network features technology news, trends and information on video, collaboration, core networks, mobility, security, data, Cisco culture and social media.
These days, it’s increasingly difficult to find a new consumer electronic device that can’t access the Internet. From TVs to tablets, refrigerators to ovens (even washing machines!), connected devices aren’t just a buzzword, they are becoming the standard.
When we define connected devices, we’re really talking about devices that have built-in connections to the Internet and use those connections to offer content, information or experiences to users. While practically any gadget or device can be connected (again, see the tweeting refrigerator), the term is most often used to describe consumer electronics that augment or replace the more traditional methods of delivering video content.
When paired with new types of content delivery systems, connected devices, particularly in the connected TV space, are disrupting and changing the ways that we access, interact with and consume content.
Types of Connected Devices
Because the connected device space is often heavily linked to the connected TV space (that is, television sets that can access the Internet or serve content streamed over the Internet rather than through a traditional set-top box or old-school antenna).
The most common types of connected devices are:
Blu-ray Players: Even as disc-based media falls out of favor with consumers, the market for Blu-ray players continues to grow. Why? Because oftentimes, a Blu-ray player is the least expensive way to get Internet content delivered to the living room.
By design, modern Blu-ray players require access to the Internet to play certain types of discs and access BD-Live content. With the exception of a few ultra high-end or ultra low-end players, practically every Blu-ray player on the market comes with built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to the Internet (low-end and high-end devices have ethernet).
Additionally, it’s almost impossible to find a Blu-ray player in the United States that doesn’t support Netflix streaming, and most players support a variety of subscription streaming services.
HDTVs: It’s not just Blu-ray players that have gone connected — modern HDTVs are increasingly shipping with built-in Internet or Wi-Fi connectivity too. Like Blu-ray players, lots of HDTV sets support services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video.
Additionally, most major TV manufacturers, including Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, LG, Sharp and Vizio offer some additional ability to access web content and social networks, usually using a customized interface unique to the manufacturer. Some TVs even offer full web browsers and include remote controls optimized for text entry.
Game Consoles: More than just playing games, video game consoles also double as connected devices. Netflix is available on the Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 and PS3 users can also access Hulu Plus content. Moreover, an increasing number of content streaming services are making their way to the game console.
Just this week, we reported that DirecTV has signed a deal to let PS3 owners subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket, no DirecTV subscription required. More sports leagues and content distributors are looking at ways to offer over-the-top access (meaning access directly over the Internet, not through a cable box) directly to game consoles.
Tablets: Thanks to the iPad (and almost singularly the iPad), the connected device movement has gone personal. Sure, some types of online content are accessible from a smartphone or personal media player like the iPod touch, but the iPad has really opened up the floodgates for connected content opportunities.
Not only do most subscription streaming services work with tablets like the iPad, content creators and cable companies alike are lining up to support the device. Cablevision, Comcast and Time Warner Cable all have apps that allow users to access on-demand (and in some cases, live) content from the iPad. In Cablevision’s case, the iPad actually acts as a fully-fledged cable box.
Meanwhile, content creators like CNN, ESPN and HBO are also working with cable companies to offer subscribers live streaming or full content access via the iPad.
Set-top Boxes: Set-top boxes like the Apple TV, Roku and the Boxee Box all offer users a way to access online content — subscription or a la carte — from the living room.
Using Apple’s AirPlay technology, the Apple TV can also act as an iPad or iPhone receiver, for playing back video from within iOS apps or websites. Boxee recently released an iPad app that offers the same sort of functionality with the Boxee Box.
Cable Box: Don’t count out the venerable cable box completely. Although most U.S. cable providers haven’t shifted to an IPTV approach, in Europe and Asia, the cable box is often the ultimate connected device.
At CES 2011, we saw a demo of a cable system already available in France (for the equivalent of about $35 a month, including Internet access) that not only offered programming, but access to the web, social media integration and online games. Cable companies are feeling the squeeze from subscription streaming services and are looking to up the value of their services. Don’t count out the potential of TV Everywhere and related initiatives.
Services and Implementations
Not all connected devices and options are the same. Let’s look at some of the most common ways connected devices can provide content to users.
Media Streaming Services: The success of Netflix has turned not only the rental industry on its head, but it has changed the way we consume content. Media streaming services, either subscription or a la carte, are impacting the industry in a big way. Netflix is the big leader here, but Amazon is making rapid investments in its own Instant Video offerings.
TV Everywhere: The idea behind TV Everywhere is that if you subscribe to cable or satellite TV, you will be able to access that content from anywhere — your phone, your iPad, your laptop. It’s an awesome idea, especially if taken to its natural conclusion.
TV Everywhere is the biggest competitor to the streaming service market, because the goal would be for cable companies or ISPs to bundle together channels and services in one offering, rather than consumers opting for a service like Hulu Plus or Netflix.
Second Screen Apps: Second screen apps are already shaping up to be one of the biggest trends going into the fall TV season. These apps are not designed to deliver traditional content — like a TV show or a movie — but instead are designed to bring a layer of social connectivity to the viewing experience.
ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy iPad app and USA’s second screen app for Psych are two examples of weekly shows that have looked to utilize this sort of experience. Award shows like the Oscars are also embracing the ability to connect with user in a social way.
A More Connected Future
With consumers really responding to connected devices — particularly when it comes to accessing content — the trends moving forward will be focused on more connectivity, not less.
The big challenges facing the industry — as well as consumers — is differentiating between the various platforms and systems.
Let us know your thoughts on connected devices and the connected TV revolution in the comments.
Series Supported by Cisco
The Buzzword Breakdown Series is supported by The Network, Cisco’s technology news site. The Network features technology news, trends and information on video, collaboration, core networks, mobility, security, data, Cisco culture and social media. To subscribe to The Network, click here. You can also submit your story ideas here.
More About: Buzzword Breakdown Series, connected devices, connected tv, subscription streaming, tvFor more Tech & Gadgets coverage:Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on TwitterBecome a Fan on FacebookSubscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channelDownload our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Posted on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:54:30 +0000 at http://feeds.mashable.com/~r/Mashable/~3/vFk4EpZ7RJo/
Comments: http://mashable.com/2011/08/18/connected-devices-faq/#comments
These days, it’s increasingly difficult to find a new consumer electronic device that can’t access the Internet. From TVs to tablets, refrigerators to ovens (even washing machines!), connected devices aren’t just a buzzword, they are becoming the standard.
When we define connected devices, we’re really talking about devices that have built-in connections to the Internet and use those connections to offer content, information or experiences to users. While practically any gadget or device can be connected (again, see the tweeting refrigerator), the term is most often used to describe consumer electronics that augment or replace the more traditional methods of delivering video content.
When paired with new types of content delivery systems, connected devices, particularly in the connected TV space, are disrupting and changing the ways that we access, interact with and consume content.
Types of Connected Devices
Because the connected device space is often heavily linked to the connected TV space (that is, television sets that can access the Internet or serve content streamed over the Internet rather than through a traditional set-top box or old-school antenna).
The most common types of connected devices are:
Blu-ray Players: Even as disc-based media falls out of favor with consumers, the market for Blu-ray players continues to grow. Why? Because oftentimes, a Blu-ray player is the least expensive way to get Internet content delivered to the living room.
By design, modern Blu-ray players require access to the Internet to play certain types of discs and access BD-Live content. With the exception of a few ultra high-end or ultra low-end players, practically every Blu-ray player on the market comes with built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to the Internet (low-end and high-end devices have ethernet).
Additionally, it’s almost impossible to find a Blu-ray player in the United States that doesn’t support Netflix streaming, and most players support a variety of subscription streaming services.
HDTVs: It’s not just Blu-ray players that have gone connected — modern HDTVs are increasingly shipping with built-in Internet or Wi-Fi connectivity too. Like Blu-ray players, lots of HDTV sets support services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video.
Additionally, most major TV manufacturers, including Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, LG, Sharp and Vizio offer some additional ability to access web content and social networks, usually using a customized interface unique to the manufacturer. Some TVs even offer full web browsers and include remote controls optimized for text entry.
Game Consoles: More than just playing games, video game consoles also double as connected devices. Netflix is available on the Xbox 360, PS3 and Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360 and PS3 users can also access Hulu Plus content. Moreover, an increasing number of content streaming services are making their way to the game console.
Just this week, we reported that DirecTV has signed a deal to let PS3 owners subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket, no DirecTV subscription required. More sports leagues and content distributors are looking at ways to offer over-the-top access (meaning access directly over the Internet, not through a cable box) directly to game consoles.
Tablets: Thanks to the iPad (and almost singularly the iPad), the connected device movement has gone personal. Sure, some types of online content are accessible from a smartphone or personal media player like the iPod touch, but the iPad has really opened up the floodgates for connected content opportunities.
Not only do most subscription streaming services work with tablets like the iPad, content creators and cable companies alike are lining up to support the device. Cablevision, Comcast and Time Warner Cable all have apps that allow users to access on-demand (and in some cases, live) content from the iPad. In Cablevision’s case, the iPad actually acts as a fully-fledged cable box.
Meanwhile, content creators like CNN, ESPN and HBO are also working with cable companies to offer subscribers live streaming or full content access via the iPad.
Set-top Boxes: Set-top boxes like the Apple TV, Roku and the Boxee Box all offer users a way to access online content — subscription or a la carte — from the living room.
Using Apple’s AirPlay technology, the Apple TV can also act as an iPad or iPhone receiver, for playing back video from within iOS apps or websites. Boxee recently released an iPad app that offers the same sort of functionality with the Boxee Box.
Cable Box: Don’t count out the venerable cable box completely. Although most U.S. cable providers haven’t shifted to an IPTV approach, in Europe and Asia, the cable box is often the ultimate connected device.
At CES 2011, we saw a demo of a cable system already available in France (for the equivalent of about $35 a month, including Internet access) that not only offered programming, but access to the web, social media integration and online games. Cable companies are feeling the squeeze from subscription streaming services and are looking to up the value of their services. Don’t count out the potential of TV Everywhere and related initiatives.
Services and Implementations
Not all connected devices and options are the same. Let’s look at some of the most common ways connected devices can provide content to users.
Media Streaming Services: The success of Netflix has turned not only the rental industry on its head, but it has changed the way we consume content. Media streaming services, either subscription or a la carte, are impacting the industry in a big way. Netflix is the big leader here, but Amazon is making rapid investments in its own Instant Video offerings.
TV Everywhere: The idea behind TV Everywhere is that if you subscribe to cable or satellite TV, you will be able to access that content from anywhere — your phone, your iPad, your laptop. It’s an awesome idea, especially if taken to its natural conclusion.
TV Everywhere is the biggest competitor to the streaming service market, because the goal would be for cable companies or ISPs to bundle together channels and services in one offering, rather than consumers opting for a service like Hulu Plus or Netflix.
Second Screen Apps: Second screen apps are already shaping up to be one of the biggest trends going into the fall TV season. These apps are not designed to deliver traditional content — like a TV show or a movie — but instead are designed to bring a layer of social connectivity to the viewing experience.
ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy iPad app and USA’s second screen app for Psych are two examples of weekly shows that have looked to utilize this sort of experience. Award shows like the Oscars are also embracing the ability to connect with user in a social way.
A More Connected Future
With consumers really responding to connected devices — particularly when it comes to accessing content — the trends moving forward will be focused on more connectivity, not less.
The big challenges facing the industry — as well as consumers — is differentiating between the various platforms and systems.
Let us know your thoughts on connected devices and the connected TV revolution in the comments.
Series Supported by Cisco
The Buzzword Breakdown Series is supported by The Network, Cisco’s technology news site. The Network features technology news, trends and information on video, collaboration, core networks, mobility, security, data, Cisco culture and social media. To subscribe to The Network, click here. You can also submit your story ideas here.
More About: Buzzword Breakdown Series, connected devices, connected tv, subscription streaming, tvFor more Tech & Gadgets coverage:Follow Mashable Tech & Gadgets on TwitterBecome a Fan on FacebookSubscribe to the Tech & Gadgets channelDownload our free apps for Android, Mac, iPhone and iPad
Posted on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:54:30 +0000 at http://feeds.mashable.com/~r/Mashable/~3/vFk4EpZ7RJo/
Comments: http://mashable.com/2011/08/18/connected-devices-faq/#comments