Commercials Under Attack Again
There is another attack to the capitalist nature of our culture and commercialism in general. Apple received a patent that would allow user’s own content (be that podcasts, videos or music) to play during commercial breaks.
Earlier this year, Dish Network had some legal troubles for their “Hopper” service, which would allow the public to skip commercials entirely.
Apple’s patent states that, “When an electronic device determines that an upcoming media item in a media broadcast is not of interest to a user, the electronic device can switch playback from the media stream to a media item from the electronic device local library,”.
Naturally, the networks are not happy with Apple’s plans, just like they had a problem with Dish Network. This would affect the revenue these networks are able to earn from companies investing in broadcast marketing.
If you have paid any attention to recent Apple technology speculations and news, you will remember that before Steve Jobs passed away, he was already speaking of an Apple TV. I’m sure that if Apple continues with this patent and develops the technology, it will be integrated seamlessly into the new Apple TV.
So what do you guys think about this bit of news? Don’t forget to let us know by sharing us through all your social media outlets through the link below.
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Wow, while Apple usually has forward-thinking and innovative ideas, this seems like change simply for the sake of change. I have Dish and LOVE Auto Hop, as I don’t have to listen to obnoxious commercials, and don’t have to worry about something inappropriate while my kids watch (Alcohol, etc.). What exactly is the purpose of removing ads and filling it with something relatively out of your control? I understand the desire to skip commercials, but it seems like Apple’s new idea merely serves Apple. A Dish coworker got me interested in the Hopper and Auto Hop, and I love being able to plow through my recording list in half the time, sans commercials. Apple is merely taking the ads out and putting in more Apple stuff; Doesn’t seem very productive to me.
I agree with you Matt. Sometimes commercials interrupt a state of mind and can become obnoxious.
I think it will all really depend on the consumer though. The hopper only skips, but with this patent, people will be able to see or listen to what they want. There could be many things that could be exchanged for regular commercials. The thing is, that every company may have to go through Apple to be able to deliver a product or service.
Maybe it means it might be time to re-invest in Apple stock.