As the presentations for technology come to a close, I'd like to take the chance to take you back to our first day when Colette and I discussed the Uwand. This magical remote incorporates infrared technology--nothing new to the tech world. As a matter of fact, it was first used as a missile detector on Queen Elizabeth's jet in 1990. Since then it's been implemented into security systems, measuring devices, motions sensors, temperature monitoring, and a variety of other consumer products; however, this is it's first application with a television. The Uwand offers a very basic remote with very basic controls with a very basic goal--ease of use.
The Uwand's ease of use marketing strategy borders on false advertising because of its inability to be used through walls and susceptibility to weather. In addition, prepare for the next Iphone to be capable of the exact IR technology making this technology obsolete to the everyday consumer.
Remember when we used to just "watch" tv. We never clicked, browsed, or scrolled on it. We just enjoyed whatever lame CSI came on for an uninterrupted hour. While our brains are not necessarily turning to mush, our ability to concentrate is being depleted if we need to be able to interact with a television.
Don't get me wrong, I find the ease of use to be extremely cool, but I would expect my Uwand to do my homework and make me the coolest guy at Reggie's on Monday for a market price of $200. It's just not financially sound for its capabilities.
Fortunately, only the 20% of people who actually have smart televisions--66% of which don't even use the apps--can experience its blatant downsides. Carr quotes Doidge in The Shallows saying, "The paradox of neuroplasticity is that for all the mental flexibility it grants us, it can end up locking us into rigid behaviors." Philips is merely playing on the fact that our brains are locked in the "rigid behavior" to have the latest technology--whether is useful or not.
I thought this presentation was well-given, but I think the technology is fairly "uncool," given its price point and the lack of people that actually have smart TV's.
ReplyDeleteI pointed out in class that Logitech has had a similar device out on the market for several years now (which can be found here). The only difference with the Logitech device is that one has to know how to hook up a PC as a Home Theater device. This is a little bit harder to do than just having the capabilities of a Smart TV, but has a lot more functionality for the price point.
So, while I liked the UWand's technology, I felt that it was rather unnecessary, and would probably not sell widely, due to the small market to which it attempts to appeal.
I agree that the presentation was well given. I don't actually recall whether I officially voted "cool" or "not cool", as I thought the technology was pretty cool, however, somewhat frivolous. However, I'd like to mention something similar that I find to be useful and not frivolous. As Zack said, this could be something that iPhones do in the future. But already, the Samsung Galaxy 2 Tab has a built in infrared light the supports a built in app called Peel Smart Remote. This app can retrieve the remote control codes automatically with just an easy setup for practically any TV. You can then control the TV as you would with a normal remote, but in addition, the app knows what shows are on based on what service you have and which ones you might like based on your age and gender. You can then select a show and it will change your TV to that channel. I find this very useful since I don't have a guide built into my TV. I think it adds some convenience to your TV watching experience without going overboard. If you are interested in what the interface looks like, you can see some screenshots on this page: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.peel.app&hl=en
ReplyDeleteI'd also like to take this opportunity to politely point out that IR technology has always been the technology of choice for remote controls (except for controlling satellite boxes located in another room). If you point a camera at the front of your remote control while you press a button, you can see the infrared light blink which your eyes cannot normally see (unless apparently you have a newer iPhone it is much dimmer - possibly Apple decided to filter some of the infrared range).