Funny that the Apple Newton was one of the examples he gave of a large company trying to create a disruptive product that meets consumer demands (massively market researched and focus grouped). That was while Jobs was at NeXT. Stands in stark contrast to the iPad (and almost all products under Jobs after his return) that were rarely researched, never put before a focus group and have multiple features consumers had no idea they wanted or needed. And, current Apple products all the way back to the iPod are truly disruptive (look at the death of the music industry and wireless carrier control over handsets).
Even before Steve Jobs departure from day-to-day operations, there was a tremendous amount of interest in Apple Inc.’s growing stockpile of cash. Combining Apple’s $76b in cash and investment balance with their theoretical borrowing availability (roughly 1.5x leverage on TTM $20b in EBITDA) gives Steve Jobs and co. the capacity for a $115b shopping spree. Thinking about how Apple develops products and adjacencies, this is what we think Apple should do:
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Sometimes I have good ideas. It seems that imdb is one of the 50 “launch” sites for Twitter’s follow button.
I think this is a good move to help drive higher engagement with consumers browsing to the site. I still think there is a long way to go (I was expecting an update to the iOS apps to include the same feature, but no dice), but this is a good start.
Just taking a quick break in between feedings, changings and cat naps to write about something on which I’ve been ruminating: imdb is a massively under monitized and utilized asset. As far as I can tell, they sell keyword and display ads and have imdb pro (almost like linkedin for media professionals). Considering that people are spending more time with a computer/tablet on their lap while watching TV/movies, I am astonished there isn’t a more robust offering from imdb.
Shouldn’t this app be able to know what I’m watching without a typed search query? It should serve up relevant cast and production info, give me links to more information about shooting locations, reviews, trailers, photos and more. imdb has a sign-in feature that lets consumers create a watchlist and rate content, but there needs to be more social media integration; and it should be seamless. People can tweet what they are watching, mentioning relevant actors/celebrities directly from imdb (how come verified facebook pages and twitter handles aren’t in imdb actor pages/bios?) As I’ve said before, TV Guide could be doing something similar, but I think Lionsgate values to asset solely on potential affiliate fee revenues. Why isn’t imdb my goto TV watching companion?
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After discovering that this post was showing up #1 for the Google Search, “Jeff Zucker Worst TV Executive,” I felt compelled to write a brief post on the current Leno/Conan fiasco.
For those that don’t know, Jeff Zucker (The Worst TV Executive in History) decided last season, to put Jay Leno on at 10pm, 5 nights a week, in the place or original dramatic programming. This boneheaded idea was that Jay Leno cost less than original, dramatic programming, which would save the network in costs. This was true. But what the boneheaded WTEiH forgot is that costs are only one side of the equation to making money:
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What was up with that Hologram interview with Will.i.am on CNN just now? My friend thought it was awesome, but I found it to be kind of creepy. Why was Anderson Cooper on the Holo-deck? Live via satellite isn’t simpler (and cheaper)?
From my friend A.Bailey, “This is what Obama’s election means: black men beamed into our homes when we least expect it.”
I’m sure Bill Bennett will be thrilled.
