The Real Reason For Bandwidth Caps?

Each time a new technology comes along, the old guard tries to stay entrenched, and keep the new technology from taking over. Almost always, the new, better technology usually wins out in some form. Look at the resistance to FM radio by AM broadcasters, and the resistance to cable by over the air broadcasters, etc. Well, we might be at the edge of another change, and Apple could be right in the middle of this one.

Comcast will begin implementing a 250GB monthly data cap. Ostensibly this cap is intended to curb rampant file sharing, and ensure network capacity for everyone. Maybe though, this is really intended to curb the rise of devices like Apple TV, and other competing boxes.

Cable companies are first and foremost TV providers. They do a healthy business, especially in OnDemand content. Devices like the Apple TV threaten to take away that cash cow, and to make the cable company little more than a utility provider.

At today's data rates, 250GB seems like enough, even for the most intensive Apple TV user. Look a few years down the road, though. Imagine an Apple TV that's streaming HD television and live events all day long. Now imagine two or three boxes in the house, along with increased wifi use from devices like the iPhone.

What will happen when technology reaches this cap not just for the rampant content pirate, but for the average TV viewer?
Is internet congestion a reality that will require caps, or are caps being used to suppress the expansion of services that cut into the bottom line of service providers?

Apple Music Special Event: The Good, The Bad, The Missing

Let's break out the Sept. 9 Apple Music into three parts: The Good, The Bad, and The Missing:

The Good:

Steve Jobs Appeared: While people are sure to continue to speculate on his health, the bottomline is, he was there, and he is actively involved with the company.

iPod Nano: A decent update, staying a step ahead of the competition, at least in terms of "bang for the buck." New shape means new cases, which means even more revenue for Apple, and accessory manufacturers. As a former Apple retail worker though, I feel bad for those who will be dealing with customers looking for specific colors. It sounds harmless enough, but look for another post shortly on why it can be hell.

iPod Touch: A curved shape is nice, and a price drop is swell, but the speaker is probably the biggest feature to propel the touch forward, and sells a lot more apps.

HD TV shows: Great for those who want HD on their computer/Apple TV

NBC Shows Return: More content is always better.

The Bad:
$79 Earphones: Let's hope Apple learned its lesson with the HiFi speaker. If these earphones don't stand up to the other $79 options, then don't put them out there.

The New Nano Look: When the 3rd gen "fatty" Nano came out, some people hated it, some loved it, and some were won over. It looks like the new Zune-esque screen will garner equal love and disdain.

Audio DRM Still Kicking: More the labels fault than Apple at this point, but let's let the music go free. Are there any statistics to indicate the iTunes Plus tracks have been pirated in any great numbers?

The Missing:

Music Subscription Service: Two major advertisers during MTV's VMA's were Rhapsody and Verizon, both peddling subscription music plans. No iPod/iTunes ads at all. Apple needs to get in on subscriptions before it's too late.

Apple TV: No news on company's biggest "hobby." No sales figures either.

CPU Updates: While not expected at a music event, the fact remains several Macs are due for updates on the surface, and under the hood.

Hulu and Fancast: Apple TV alternatives

Maybe buying a box to connect to your TV AND then buying/renting TV shows on top of that initial expense makes sense to you. For 50+ years though, television has been viewed with commercial sponsorship, the trade off being that the shows themselves were free. If you're willing to put up with a few ads during your show, there are a few solid Apple TV alternatives. Today, we take a look at two: hulu.com and Fancast.com .

Get ready to ditch multiple cable boxes. Maybe

Several industry giants, including Sony and Samsung have tentatively embraced WHDI. What's this WHDI of which we speak? In short, it's a wireless protocol intended to move HD video from TV to TV wirelessly around the house. Yes friend, imagine one cable box to get your HD channels anywhere in the house. At least that's the theory. Unanswered questions include how many different channels can be watched at once, and what happens when more house have these systems: What about interference? Apple is not part of the consortium, which isn't huge surprise since it's focused on TV manufacturers, and as of today, there's no "TV" in the AppleTV.

But for those in the Apple world, the question becomes will Apple products play nice? Will you be able to have an AppleTV in one room, and watch the content in other rooms without additional Apple TVs/Airport base stations/MAcs/etc.? This might just mean an extra box after all.

More E3 Bombs

Not to be out done by Microsoft, Sony announced its own movie download and rental service for the PS3 today. Oh and btw the service launches tonite!
How long before Apple TV follows in the footsteps of the Newton?
Maybe Apple needs to start taking their "hobby" seriously.