Seems these days we have a lot more control over what we want our gadgets to do. At the same time however, I have a sci-fi related fear in the back of my mind that the technology becomes too powerful and makes slaves out of the human population. BUT until that happens I am all too happy to talk about advances in technology–particularly that of AT&T’s new “Homezone” service.
In a nutshell, the “Homezone” service allows the user to manage any of their television recordings. The user is able to view up to date television listings from their phone and choose which programs to record. Also, AT&T is offering the ability to “trigger” video-on-demand downloads from among many selections.
AT&T has expanded its on-demand content library to include thousands of additional titles that build from many partnerships with content providers that enable access to movies, music and photos from the Homezone receiver. The big names that are helping out AT&T in this venture are Yahoo! (through LAUNCHcast music, Movie Showtimes, AT&T Yahoo! Photos) and Movielink (for movies on demand).
Do you see what is happening here? AT&T makes but pennies on phone calls these days and this is quite possibly the perfect time to enter the television market. They can be considered already a pretty legitimate cable company in that they have created and marketed the “Homezone” receiver (i.e that little black box in your living room). Without this receiver of course, the mobile management system is impossible.
The receiver itself and relating hardware is not quite like anything ever to hit the market. One of the big selling points for all the entertainment media buffs out there is the watch programs on more than one set around the house by way of the dual television output. I am not a “techie” by any means but I do know that most receivers do not come with dual antenna and dual satellite inputs–meaning, it can make for some pretty nice viewing setups and options.
AT&T has really put a lot of thought into this here project of theirs. What’s even better is that they are really thinking of making it highly coveted by all those dads out there that thrive on having better entertainment centers than the like of those Best Buy demo living rooms. Hats off to AT&T. Rick Welday, chief marketing officer at AT&T: "When consumers think TV, we want them to think AT&T…Compelling features, like wireless remote access and thousands of downloadable titles, give us an entertainment service that goes beyond others on the market today."
Nicely put by Mr. Welday. By the looks of the many features that “Homezone” is offering, this service is beyond what many other companies are currently providing. Oh yeah, the mobile management service is included in the $9.99 service for “Homezone.”
Spring break should allow me to venture further into this here “Homezone.” Now I can go to my local Best Buy and join in conversations with entertainment center dads while not feeling like I don’t know what’s hip. Thank you AT&T.
Engadget-AT&T's Homezone caught By Ryan Block
http://www.engadget.com/2006/05/23/atandts-homezone-caught/
Mobile Tech News-AT&T Homezone makes TV recording possible via mobile phones
http://www.mobiletechnews.com/info/2007/03/07/025930.html
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