Still Waiting for the iPad

What a crazy few weeks it has been.  I haven’t had a minute to catch my breath, let alone sit down.  Except for yesterday.  I have had a big red circle on the 1-3pm hours yesterday for a few weeks now.  I knew there was no way I was going to miss Steve Jobs announcing a new and revolutionary product.  There was just no way.

Well, it’s been almost 36 hours, and I’m still waiting.

Don’t get me wrong, the iPad (as seen above) is a beautiful device.  I want to get one for my Grandmother as soon as they are released.  She will love the intuitive design and lightweight.  And if the screen is as good as it looked in the demos yesterday, she will be able to see pictures again when reading the paper.  But beyond that…Eh?  Color me unsold on it as a “magical” game-changer.  But if there is one thing I won’t do when it comes to Apple, it’s give up.  And we would all be pretty silly to forget who we are talking about – Jobs and his team, including designer Ives and people person Phil Schiller, know exactly what they are doing here.

So why not at the launch event??  Well I’m glad you asked.  Here is what I imagined happened here: the myth of the Apple Tablet had been spreading for a while, but it wasn’t until Oct-late Nov that this device became a near certainty.  And Jobs, being the PR-master he is, knew he was sitting on a ticking clock.  He had to introduce it as fast as he could, before the public grew restless, bought Kindles, or just burned out on “Apple Tablet” stories.

And that’s why below I outline what the iPad will really end up looking like very soon (most likely before we receive it) and also what it WON’T have:

1. It will multitask

Yes my friends, the iPad (and the iPhone) will multitask.  I simply cannot believe that Jobs is that ignorant of how people use his devices.  And I can’t believe Jobs himself doesn’t see the use in listening to music while writing an email, reading a book, or using Brushes.  I believe they are working overtime on making this work while keeping the speed tops and the battery life strong.  I think we will see iPhone OS 4.0 before March, and it will enable multitasking for both the iPhone and the iPad.

2. It will have HDMI and USB out

I am confident these were left out of the original design, but the iPad will have both of these very soon.  USB is, for most, the universal connector for all things Apple.  I hope Jobs and his design team have learned from the Air, and realized if people can’t plug an Apple product into just about anything – it loses enough of it’s functionality to be rendered near useless.  And I also think they learned even beautiful design can’t overcome a high price tag/performance ratio.  They are fighting the price tag on this one, desperate to keep it under $500 (for the basic version) and that is why we don’t see HDMI and USB.  But mark my words – USB is a given here.

3. The media companies will catch on

Like many of my colleagues, I was disappointed in the multimedia presentation yesterday, especially when it came to the newspaper and magazine reader section.  But give the conservative media some time – they are still reeling in this new world we have found ourselves in when it comes to consuming media.  They don’t really understand digital media yet, let alone have a dedicated budget and long-term plan for it.  Give them some time – they will either figure it out or die.

4. It will have 1080p

Yes, the iPad will get to 1080p.  With the prices of the screens dropping like a lead bowling ball, Jobs and Co. are likely waiting to get it to just the right price point.  But if they want to encourage long-term viewing, video, and especially games, 1080p is going to be a must very shortly.

Ok, now a quick look what the iPad may NEVER have:

It WON’T have Flash:

at least any time soon.  I don’t see this feud getting solved any time soon, and it’s really good for no one.  It is the last glaring hole in Apple’s internet experience, it is a slight and an embarrassment to Adobe’s clout, and the real loser is the user.  Like it or not Steve, Flash is everywhere, and your customers deserve it.  Still, it’s been several years and the iPhone is no closer.  Color me for sure that Flash doesn’t come to the iPad.

It WON’T have GPS:

And I don’t even see why anyone is griping about that.  Did you watch the keynote?  Jobs was sitting in a lounge chair, not driving around.  He simply sees no purpose and use for dedicated GPS in the iPad.  That is not what it is for.  Now if you get a 3G version, you can use Assisted GPS to look at local maps with your location inserted.  Other than that, you are just out of luck.  Get an iPhone.

Ok, so you’ve heard my thoughts.  The iPad is still another “hobby” until it gets these features and several more.  What else does the iPad need to be a real evolution in computing??  Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Late Show Follow-Up

Just as a follow-up to my post on this Late Night Show situation, my friend Brian, who is from Germany, told us all about Stefan Raab, who is apparently very very popular there.  He is very talented (music, comedy, etc) and he stays away from any kind of structured show format.  I’ve only watched a little bit of his show, but it looks pretty interesting.  Is this what they were trying with crappy shows like The Jamie Kennedy Experiment?  Watch the video below, it’s Stefan with international pop sensation and funny man Will Smith.  Love it.

Jeff Takes On…Late Night Talk Show Set-Up

Please note: I started writing this post a LONG time ago, but then all these changes (Jimmy Fallon arriving, Conan O’Brien moving, Jay Leno coming back, “The Magic Hour” got cancelled (not really but you get the idea) kept causing me to stop, and give the late night shows another chance.

See this is what the networks are the best at: distracting you just enough to give the late night shows that one more chance.  Every time Jimmy Fallon opens the show with a complete flop of a monologue, every time Letterman’s guest looks like they might fall asleep in the chair, every time Jay Leno appears on the screen, I tell myself I’m never going to watch Late Night TV again.  But the late night slots are the last stand for the broadcast networks.  It’s the last place where we, as viewers, have historically had few other good options.  Go to bed, or watch a Late Night TV show, basically those were always the options.

Well networks, your time has come.

With the proliferation of new options that viewers can control (think DVR and Hulu), the Late Show viewership is diving.  And now, shifting around which talking head is where won’t bring the ratings back.  In order to save this time slot, a few things have got to change for good:

1. Late Show as a “Real” Window into Hollywood

No more of this movie hyping!  People are sick of being advertised to through these segments.  Conan had always been best at this: actually funny content just for content’s sake.  Bring your guest’s on merely to be your guests, not because they have a big movie or made-for-tv drama to plug.  You have to go back to what your “customers” want: they are looking for entertainment, humor, and a connection with big stars.  This is why there are no Late Night shows based in Chicago.  The viewers no longer have to watch your segment with Will Farrell to know that Land of the Lost is coming out.  We already watched the trailer, read the pre-release buzz, and maybe watched a leaked version, long before you get Mr. Farrell into the seat on Late Night TV.  This set-up is old and boring.  I want celebs who are excited to be there, or at least desperately need to be there.  If Leno doesn’t inspire the stars in that way, then get rid of him.  Or get rid of the boring celebs, take your pick.

People still desperately want to see into Hollywood.  With all the paparazzi and celeb-commentary websites out there, the Late Night shows could become a spot where celebrities can actually control the information about them that goes to the viewer.  They can come out, talk candidly about their life, and maybe mention some of the projects they are working on.  If they want to participate in some fun stuff on the show, all the better.  But when the viewer knows this is just another advertisement for a new movie, they are tuning out!

2. Change the Guests Altogether

That’s right, I’m saying ditch some of these guests.  It’s the abundance of the guests that helps us tune out in the first place.  There’s no easy way to tell who is on what show when…so if I miss it, I’m not too bummed out.  There’s only one reason I will tune in, guaranteed, to a Late Night show – if a band I like is playing.  If I hear someone good is playing Conan’s show, I’m watching the end of it.  Heck, sometimes I tune in to Jimmy Fallon’s show just to catch the Roots, who are easily the best house band of this generation.

So to get me back as a viewer, how about you make some of these small bands and comedians the guests?  We hear enough about the big stars through the tabloids and entertainment-based cable channels.  Let’s give these crazy musicians and mangy comedians a shot at the limelight!  At the very least, it’s perfect for unintentional comedy.  And maybe there will be some flops, and awkward moments, but you know what? It’s better than the canned performances I see now.  If you gave an up-and-comer (think Galifinakis a few years ago) a serious time commitment, he could make a Leno episode the best of the year.  It’s after midnight! Loosen up with your guests and let’s see what happens.

3. Tighten Up the Monologues

Listen writers, not to put any pressure on you, but some people who work all day tune in to your show as a humorous look at current events.  Clearly they don’t know about DVR and The Today Show, but that’s a different story.  If you can’t be funny with the monologue, then cut it short, plain and simple.  Fill it with something else.  To just keep running these tired jokes out there…Fallon looks like he might die from awkwardness sooner or later.

4. Create more “Youtube” moments

true story: my family and I watched Jimmy Fallon and the Muppets sing “12 Days of Christmas” while opening presents this year.  That was great delivery and perfect length, and actually entertaining.  Aim to craft these segments, so that people can actually say, “Hey, did you see Leno last night?  They did this hilarious skit and you can watch it online…” Instead, if I ask what happened on Leno, a co-worker might say, “um well, the usual, you know.” No incentive to tune in there.

I’ve purposely not provided any number or viewer analysis with this post for a reason.  The Late Night set-up is stale, and has been stale long before the viewers started leaving in droves.  And I don’t know if you can get them back, so I’m not going to make viewer projections.  But if you make these changes, you would at least have a chance of convincing some of us to watch again.  Give us good, original content that separates your show from the others.  If that is tough to do with 3 late night shows…then just go to one! Just get us good TV and the people will watch!  After all, we don’t have many other options (ha).

Any other suggestions?  Hit up the comments.

-jv

WHY?

sorry eBay, I really do like your service.  I hate to blow up your spot like this.  We have had a pretty good relationship over the years.

But I do not understand how it could take several days for me to stop receiving your spam emails.  I mean daily deals in sterling jewelery, really??  C’mon eBay, you are better than this.  This should be automated – and take effect immediately.

If there is something about a service – especially an online service – that can’t be fixed immediately, users are going to start shopping around.  They will find a better designed site, and they will leave you behind.  You have an incredibly sized network – but don’t make users “stuck” with your service.  Continue improving it – make them happy to be there and happy to use it.  At this time I’d like to thank you for your past service eBay…but you are better than this.  Get it fixed.  I don’t want spam and neither does anyone else.

Thanks for your attention to this matter.

sincerely, jv

Power of Ketchup

now THAT is an image (click for larger pic)

created by Publicis Mojo for the CALM: New Zealand Campaign Against Landmines, this is exactly the type of creative – and creative product experience – that makes you sit up and take notice.  This is definitely a risky placement – how many people really want to think about blood while eating ketchup? – but it’s exactly that type of risk that makes it memorable.

Listen everyone knows that these landmines can be absolutely devastating.  Those of us who don’t live in these areas are so lucky to not have to worry about this during our daily business.  But what more powerful and timely message about this subject could we have, then when we are safely chowing on some fries at a local fast food joint?  Here I am worrying about if they remembered to remove the onions from my burger, and this comes and smacks me on the forehead.  It’s disruptive – but in a good way.

first seen over at Eric Barker’s blog, but coverage also at wrongingrights

FAIL!

“Pinball” by Interstate Batteries. from scary ideas. Good use of suspense, story build-up, and ultimately turning expectations on their head. Doesn’t create much connection with the Interstate brand, but does give you that good ending line “should have had an Interstate”. That’s memorable.

Practice Makes a Perfect 30 Seconds

Kevin Roberts, CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi, posted the latest ad from Toyoya’s Hybrid Synergy Drive. While loyal reader’s will know I’m not a fan of automotive ads, this one is different for a few reasons:

First, there’s no car. Really, no one has designed a car that is different enough to require us seeing it again and again in a commercial (except maybe Tesla).

and Second, this ad took an incredible amount of work and practice. You can see this was all shot in one take, which means hours and hours of coordination, planning, and rehearsal. I doubt that is what’s happening in the “professional driver, closed course” ads.

Finally, this ad is a really good way to show off the hybrid concept. I mean everyone gets what a hybrid means, but it is still fun to see it in a real world application. Really well done, although I hope for their sake they don’t have to shoot a sequel!

A Missing JV

As you may or may not have noticed, I have not been posting much in the last few weeks. Unfortunately, this is a combination of many factors. The falling of snow has increased my time spent skiing or dreaming of skiing. The holiday season brought a craziness to our office that I’m still recovering from.

The toll of writing this blog by myself, while working on several other projects, has left me a little burnt out. So I’m taking a bit of a break. I’m working on rebranding this space, making a bit more ‘me’ and a little less stuffy. So hopefully you will have that to look forward to in the near future.

Until then,

jv

Holiday Party Time

 

This friday is the agency-wide Christmas party. I’ve already heard plenty of stories already about last years – I guess several of the people I work with were involved in all kinds of debauchery throughout the night.

People just love letting loose, being friendly, and basically causing trouble at these functions. I’m not much into looking like a fool in front of my coworkers, but I’m sure things will be well out of hand by the time I get there. It’s a great time to hang out, meet new people, and enjoy the Christmas spirit. But I think I’ll leave the insane antics to when I’m running ninth street with my friends.

For those of you who just want to get crazy at the agency holiday party, heed the advice of Brad Karsh, who writes an article called ‘Ask Brad’ (clever title) over at Advertising Age. Check his thoughts on holiday partying with, “How Hard Should I Party at the Office Holiday Shindig?”.

Some of us are lucky enough to work with great people, and it’s great to share this time of year with your coworkers. But don’t forget what Brad says: “Keep the ‘office’ in ‘office holiday party’.”

OMG U R So Watching the Same Movie as Me

“if you pause this again I am gonna kill you!”

There is an article on Tech Consumer today that describes a new HD DVD feature for the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix home release. It’s called “community screening,” and according to the article it will utilize the Ethernet connection built into each HD DVD player.

Here is how “community screening” technology works. The host invites others to watch the movie, and then can simultaneously watch while, “chatting live with your friends while you watch.” Only the host can control the viewing of the movie (play, pause, etc).

I am beyond perplexed about the attractiveness of this feature. It just doesn’t seem completely thought out.

From the official release site:

“Invite other owners of the Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix HD DVD to simultaneously watch from their own internet-accessed players and text with your remote, PC or cellphone.”

Just a quick note to the movie studio….communication has been available through your PC and cellphone before this feature became available. So you have added texting through remote, which I see absolutely no one taking advantage of.

Maybe I’m out of touch with the youth market, but I just can’t see this catching on. I can’t think of a time I have ever wanted to watch a DVD simultaneously with someone else who wasn’t in the room with me. Except, of course, when Space Jam comes on TBS and I call all my friends so we can watch it together.

If I’m marketing this, here is where I’m selling this feature: constantly traveling or divorced parents. You would call your son or daughter up, and you could watch a movie ‘together’, even if you are apart. Or maybe job training or education DVDs, where you could coordinate a class and then the instructor ‘hosts’ a simultaneous viewing. But that would necessitate lots of people owning HD DVD players, and that just isn’t happening – yet.

So this feature may just be ahead of it’s time. But I hope executives aren’t pushing this as a feature that will put HD over the top of Blu-Ray. If so, they could be in for a looong holiday season.