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.
