Chris Anderson: How web video powers global innovation
Video can be more powerful than print. I hope you know about TED. If you didn’t … you do now. Enjoy.
The rise of web video is driving a worldwide phenomenon called Crowd Accelerated Innovation — a self-fueling cycle of learning that could be as significant as the invention of print. But to tap into its power, organizations will need to embrace radical openness.
- Chris Anderson
No more fart apps in the App Store
Apple updated their review guidelines for application development and submission for the App Store. You say, “I’m not a developer … how would this impact me?”
I’d like to think it means no more quickly thrown together half-baked apps that disappoint the first time you run them. It means specifically no more fart apps. Yep, Apple actually mentioned those.
We have over 250,000 apps in the App Store. We don’t need any more Fart apps. If your app doesn’t do something useful or provide some form of lasting entertainment, it may not be accepted.
Here’s another goodie from Apple’s new guidelines:
If your App looks like it was cobbled together in a few days, or you’re trying to get your first practice App into the store to impress your friends, please brace yourself for rejection. We have lots of serious developers who don’t want their quality Apps to be surrounded by amateur hour.
I enjoy the casual entertaining language of the guidelines. They’re funny but clear.
Now, if you have ever submitted an app to Apple you know all about the cross-your-fingers-while-hopping-on-one-leg waiting game. Well … Apple still left plenty of room for discretion in the approval process.
We will reject Apps for any content or behavior that we believe is over the line. What line, you ask? Well, as a Supreme Court Justice once said, ‘I’ll know it when I see it.’ And we think that you will also know it when you cross it.
Yep, that’s a direct quote. Anyway, if you are a developer these new guidelines likely mean a lot.
Maybe your app was denied by Apple in the past. You really should dust it off and resubmit. I am hoping the Google Voice mobile app will finally be allowed to be in the store. Sean Kovacs, one of the developers of the GV Mobile app said via Twitter that Apple invited him to resubmit.
This would be really cool. That’s all I’m going to say about this. I’m thinking I better write about something other than Apple and Google next time. Reviewing my last handful of posts I can see I look like a fan boy.
Response to Google’s new Instant search
It’s hard to imagine how anyone … will be able to keep up with Google Instant without a combo platter of Red Bull and cocaine. - Austin Carr (Fast Company)
Why would Austin say this? Because while there is still a big [Search] button on the Google home page … the minute you type in your search, Google starts giving you results –> FAST!
So fast, in fact, that Google claims the feature can save 2-5 seconds per search. Just imagine how much of your life you’re going to get back. :)
Here’s Bob Dylan showing us what Instant search looks like.
Are you excited? Now, keep in mind Bob Dylan can pretty much make anything look cool.
What do I think of this? As usual, my mind is not made up. I’m not bothered by Google Instant. I’m sure it will be fine. Plus, I’m entertained by the media and the public’s reaction to stuff like this. Remember, you’ve got choices. There are other search engines out there. If you don’t like Google Instant just Google your searches with Bing :)
Should I buy the new Apple TV?
Quick answer – yes
Long answer – maybe :)
Why you [would] want the new Apple TV
- You have a Netflix account or you plan on getting one
- You rent new movies just out on DVD or blu-ray
- You buy on-demand movies through cable or dish
- You enjoy Apple’s tight product integration from iPad to iPhone to iTunes, etc …
- It’s less expensive than buying a blu-ray player
- Better chance of Apple updating Apple TV with new features over time than your TV manufacturer updating your set
- You want the most simple way to watch on-demand TV and movies from your couch
- You are a youtube junkie
- You want your TV connected to the Internet wirelessly
Why you [would not] want the new Apple TV
- You don’t have an HD TV … yet!
- $4.99 is too much to pay for a movie rental
- 99 cents is too much to pay for a single TV show
- You are already watching Netflix through your Wii, XBox or PS3 on your HD TV
- You were hoping for an App Store (more features / choices) for Apple TV
- You want to browse the web on your TV
My conclusion
I already have a PC attached to my HD TV. It’s handy. I can watch Hulu and Netflix content. I can watch DVDs and purchased digital movies and TV shows that I already own. I can bring up a web browser and surf from my couch with my wireless keyboard. But, the solution is big, loud (fan) and clunky.
The truth is … a full blown computer attached to the TV is kind of a waste of technology, energy and it’s more or less a clunky solution.
So, I won’t be waiting in line to buy an Apple TV the first day because I already have a working solution … but I will definately be over at your house the day you decide to bring one home.
The price is easy. If you have Netflix but it’s not on your HD TV yet, this is the way to do it.
What do you think? Are you buying one?
