The digital age is upon us. It is not just an age in which digital formats for entertainment have multiplied and presented themselves to the consumer with the promise of better image resolution, or a smaller & more convenient digital package, it is an age that is rapidly approaching the point of offering access to media, no matter where you are, via wireless data transfers.

Unfortunately, many of us are still tied to discovering new music, movies, art via conventional analog means. Success of different types of media are still defined by box office receipts, number of spins on a radio station, or CD sales when very few members of Generation Y consume media in these forms. As the access to the internet and broadband WiFi continues to expand, I envision a new path for marketing and access to popular art.

Take, for instance, your MP3 player. It will not be too long, before all Mp3 players are sold with a wireless card (at least that is my hope, and if companies aren’t already thinking about this, they should be). Our DVD players and entertainment systems are also approaching genuine synthesis with the internet. Given this, what I would like to see is a new way to discover and listen to/watch music and movies.

Imagine the device: your MP3 player with a wireless card, connected to some service like iTunes. Your device reports back and tracks the songs that you listen to and rate. Then, as your music profile is developed, you begin to have the option to stream music for free that is similar to the music you’ve been listening to (Pandora does this exceptionally well on your computer). The first stream is free, then, if you like it, with a click of a button on your player, you can purchase the song, or album and have it downloaded to your MP3 player for immediate consumption.

We have also seen the first simultaneous theater and DVD release of movies. Again, think of how wonderful it would be to be able to download a new release to your computer or entertainment system to watch the day it comes out. And for that service to again make recommendations based on your viewings and ratings.

This would mean unparalleled access to media for the consumer, and this access would be direct to the consumer. Instead of listening to radio stations to discover new music or going to the movie theater, suggestions based on what you already like are delivered directly to you! No need to worry about the ridiculous marketing campaigns surrounding the latest releases.

To sum it up (granted with some definite “big brother is watching you” concerns): We know what you like! And we can give it to you.

| Generation-Y wants, Gen-Y ideas, Marketing to college students, Open Innovation, Voice of the customer, New Concepts & Ideas | Email Article | Share on Facebook | del.icio.us | digg this

One Response to “Instant, Streaming Access to Media - On the Go or at Home”

1. sooseckelmann Says:
   January 29th, 2007 at 7:27 am

   As music lover and someone who cherishes technology, I like this idea. Theoretically, the new iPhone already combines iTunes and wireless access to the internet. Now it’s on Apple to merge iTunes with a website such as allmusic.com which would allow you to purchase similar songs tied to your musical taste.

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