Cingular and a Video Service Prediction
In yesterday's Network World newsletter on Convergence and VoIP, I caught the following -
Live video calls provided by wireless carriersI've never met Steve or Larry, although we've run in common circles for many years. Steve and I have swapped numersou emails over the years. These are guys I respect and listen to. They're just reporting what's announced.
By Steve Taylor and Larry HettickAt last week’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES 2007) in Las Vegas Cingular showed attendees what may become the first service in the United States that allows wireless phone users to make live video calls.
According to Cingular, customers can start with a normal mobile phone call and then activate a real-time video stream that lets the called party see live video while they’re talking. Cingular’s statement said “the service also allows customers to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call.” Alcatel/Lucent and LG supplied the equipment for the wireless video demo. [read full article on Network World]
Today I saw a couple "wow" posts, but I have a much different reaction.
This service does nothing but extend the "walled garden" approach, locking customers in to the carrier with a mediocre video equivalent to walkie-takies (OVER). I'm not just uminmpressed, I'm surprised that Cingular would have the audacity to hype this and tout it as leading the way towards anything but the dark ages.
Wnat real video? Go somwhere in the world you can use a Nokia phone on a UMTS network. You have it today. Want it in the US? Beat your carrier over the head with a demand for a real solution that works across the mobile spectrum.
Technorati Tags: Cingular, AT&T, video, mobile video
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