Tech Chaat

Does Compete not like comScore?

2008-01-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

I was doing a search on Google today for something advertising related and noticed that my Compete toolbar showed a for a result from comScore.

Here is the actual result with the stop sign next to it.

In Compete parlance, a stop sign means "Use caution. Flagged as a spoof site, spammer and/or distributor of malware."

comScore? Really? I am a little hard-pressed to believe.

You be the judge!

NetFlix Neighborhood

2008-01-24T00:05:00.000-08:00

Netflix announced its earnings today and it looks as though they have turned the tide against Blockbuster. Since Blockbuster raised its rates recently (I am one of the unfortunate ones), people seem to be returning to NetFlix.

But then, there is Apple looming in the other corner with their announcement to offer movies for download via iTunes to their Apple TV.

What can NetFlix do to increase adoption or even retain customers? Here is an idea. How about if I see a map showing those in my neighborhood who have received the movies I currently have in my queue? I contact one of these "neighbors" (all within the NetFlix website of course) and NetFlix magically connects me to my "neighbor" and I pick up the DVD from him.

Once I do that, my "neighbor" updates his queue as having returned to NetFlix and I updated mine as having checked out. Better yet, if NetFlix can do this automagically, it will make it that much easier!

This way, NetFlix gets more use of a single mail-out of a DVD. I get the movie I want immediately (instant gratification, yummy!) and my "neighbor" is now ready to get their next movie without the 1 or 2 day wait.

Win, win and win for all three of us! Reed Hastings, hope you are listening!

iCall with Apple iTouch

2008-01-22T23:41:00.000-08:00

Apple announced its earnings today. They blew past the estimates but that was not enough given the panic on Wall Street. Apple added $3 billion to their coffers in Q4 2007 alone!

NY Times wondered if iTouch can help revive sagging iPod sales.

I think Apple can do more than just pushing iTouch.If there is one company that can make mobile VOIP popular, it is Apple.

Imagine a service where you make and receive phone calls on your iTouch over WiFi when you are in the office and over a data network when you are on the move.

Imagine if it automatically switches between the two networks without you doing anything.

Imagine if you pay for a single, reasonable data plan that gives you internet access, email capabilities, and an all-you-can-talk phone service.

Doesn't that sound sweet to you?