iPod Shuffle - When Design Is Not Enough (and make it worse)

I love my old iPod Shuffle.

Just a small USB stick that plays music.
I could use any headset I want and have full control over the music.


I did not buy the second generations as it was harder to use the controllers while running/riding and it requires a cable to charge/sync. However, I did like the clip.


I think the new generation took a step forward from design perspective, but MANY steps back as for usability.

It is great you could use playlists and there is no need for a screen to do it, but the 'new' VoiceOver is disappointing.
For a cool looking device as this, to have this 1985 audio quality (text to speech) is just bad.
I got flashbacks from years ago when I was developing eLearning tools and content and had to use the TTS (Text To Speech) from Microsoft...

You can create your own VoiceOver here - let me know if this makes sense to you...

One more thing - the new iPod requires you to use the 'new/special' headset.
I do not like this type of headset, it keeps falling when I run.

Check the introduction movie from Apple.


So, I guess I have my options. And so do you.

E.T.

Innovid - multi layer content clickable canvases

TechCrunch reported about Innovid (and brought their site down...) new announced capability to "help advertisers move away from the pre-roll with technology that allows for things like virtual product placements inside videos and turning entire surfaces into clickable canvases."





The visuals are great, but even more interesting is the multi-layer content capability as shown in this image:

Great to see innovation from Israel.

Would be interesting to see if Veodia could assist them with content creation.

Good luck guys!

E.T.

Powered by Amimon WHDI, Sony TV - Available in Israel

AMIMON offers huge advantages to home and business users with its unique video-modem solution that eliminates the hassle of running video cables to HD displays and projectors. WHDI™ technology enables wireless delivery of uncompressed HDTV throughout the home with video rates of up to 3Gbps (uncompressed 1080p!) in the 5Ghz unlicensed band, with the same quality as a wired connection and no latency.

I just had a chat with my friend Dr. Zvi Reznic – Co-Founder, Vice President R&D, and was happy to hear that the company is doing very well.


Few days ago, I saw that one of Aminon's partners, SONY, started to market few TV systems, which users Amimon chips. It is great to see Israeli technologies used in mass-production, especially is they available in Israel.

kudos guys!

E.T.

Notes from French TechTour (1/...)

At Veodia we have many French team members.
Recently I attended several events around the IsraelWebTour and now it is time for the French Tech Tour.




Engaging with Analysts and the Media

Panelist guests:

• Carla Thompson, Senior Analyst, Guidewire Group
• Michal Lev-Ram, Fortune Senior Writer, Fortune
• Rafe Needleman, Editor, Webware/CNET
• Dean Takahashi, DigitalMedia Lead Writer, VentureBeat

Moderator: Jeff Clavier, Founder & Managing Partner, SoftTechVC

Notes:
There is a blur between the 'official' journalists and the bloggers.

Consumer product - should be focusing on traditional channels (NY-T and such) as the bloggers are focusing on early adaptors and not on the mass audience.

Do and Don't on how to contact press and bloggers

- Introduction eMail - provide information about the company/product and how to reach you
- Contact from the CEO. Do not hide behind the PR team.
- No 25Mb PPT in eMail
- No embed video in eMail
- Make sure the mailing list does not include everyone on the TO field.
- Make sure you include the right person name and do not miss-spell the name of the Blogger...
- Embargo - control the process. In case there is a ... Notify all the bloggers who still keep it.
- Do not ask for a flow-up based on a competitor story
- Have a media kit (images, bio, white papers, demos) ready for a follow up.

To be continued.

E.T.

Sixty Second Tech

Sixtysecondtech.com is Cal Evans latest project.


As Cal describes it:

Sixty Second Tech is the cure for BSS

Sixty Second Tech is the only known cure for “Blank Stare Syndrome” (BSS). BSS happens when one of your technical friends starts talking to you and unconsciously slips into geek speak. They don’t realize they’ve triggered BSS until long after your eyes glaze over. BSS is an embarrassing condition but a curable one, just spend one minute a week listening to Sixty Second Tech.

If you are looking for great, short, insightful notes about current technology topics and buzz-words, Sixty Second Tech is a bookmark for you.

You can also download the MP3 files or read the ~250 words segment.

Good luck Cal, I am listening...

E.T.