Podcast Summary
High demand for innovative tech leads to supply shortages and frenzy to acquire: The release of new tech products can create a frenzy, leading to supply shortages and influencing consumer behavior. Rapid advancements in technology and competition between tech giants continue to shape the new economy.
The demand for innovative technology, such as the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip folding phone, is high and can lead to supply shortages. This was evident during its recent release when it sold out quickly at various retailers. The struggle to acquire one led to a flurry of texts, calls, and even travel plans. The short review period given to reviewers added to the urgency to purchase. This situation highlights the growing influence of influencer marketing and the vibrant new economy it represents. Another takeaway is the earlier-than-ever release of Android 11 and the possibility of Apple allowing users to set default apps on the iPhone. These developments underscore the rapid advancement of technology and the competition between tech giants. Deloitte's ability to help businesses navigate these changes and engineer solutions for their present and future reality is invaluable.
Company's handling of product release can signal product quality: Transparent and lengthy review periods can indicate confidence in product quality, while restricted access may raise concerns
The way a tech company handles the release of their product, specifically the length and transparency of the review period, can be an indicator of the product's quality. If a company is hesitant to provide review units or restricts the review period significantly, it could potentially signal that the product may not be able to withstand thorough scrutiny. This is not always the case, as some companies may choose to release their products quickly due to confidence in the product or fashion-driven marketing strategies. However, if a company consistently restricts reviews, it could raise concerns about the product's ability to meet user expectations. Additionally, companies could improve the consumer experience by setting the context correctly and managing expectations, especially for innovative or high-risk products.
Marketing foldable phones as just a new form factor may not be effective: Emphasizing the reset of expectations with foldable phones is crucial for effective marketing. Foldable phones, due to their complex nature, require extra consideration and marketing efforts to meet consumer expectations.
The launch of a new smartphone, like Samsung's S20, is a massive undertaking involving thousands of employees, millions of dollars, and countless hours of work. However, when it comes to foldable phones like the Z Flip, marketing them as just a new form factor instead of emphasizing the reset of expectations that comes with the form factor shift may be a mistake. The Z Flip, despite having the best hinge and feeling screen, falls short in other areas, such as camera sensors and overall performance, compared to what consumers might expect from a flagship device. Additionally, the very nature of a folding phone, which is a bunch of moving parts, makes it a complex product that requires extra consideration and marketing efforts.
Trade-offs of Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip's Foldable Design: The Galaxy Z Flip's innovative foldable design comes with trade-offs like increased thickness and narrow aspect ratio, while its ultra-thin glass, though technically glass, is covered with a protective plastic layer for flexibility and prone to damage if not handled carefully.
Samsung's Galaxy Z Flip, despite its innovative foldable design, comes with trade-offs such as increased thickness when closed and a narrow aspect ratio. These factors, however, are often overlooked in reviews as the focus tends to be on the hinge, crease, and glass durability. The Z Flip's ultra-thin glass, while technically glass, is covered with a protective plastic layer due to its flexibility and thinness, which makes it prone to damage if not handled carefully. The discussion also touched upon the debate surrounding T-Mobile and Sprint merger and the comparison being drawn to the exclusivity of the foldable glass display, which can only be used by lawyers due to its technicality.
Foldable Phones: Improved but Still Challenged: Despite improvements, foldable phones like Galaxy Fold, Razr, and Z Flip face challenges such as dust and dirt intrusion, noticeable sounds, and screen damage or separation. Industry is working on solutions, but a truly flexible and scratch-resistant glass remains elusive.
While the Samsung Ultra Thin Glass on the latest foldable phones feels better than previous models, it still has issues such as the potential for dust and dirt to get in and a noticeable sound when extended to its maximum. The industry is working on solutions, but a truly flexible and scratch-resistant glass that can match the durability of rigid screens remains a challenge. The foldable phones, including the Galaxy Fold, Razr, and Z Flip, have had issues with screen damage and separation, and none have yet to significantly transform the user experience beyond offering a smaller form factor when closed. The technology is still in its infancy, and it may be some time before a foldable phone can deliver the same impact as a device that transforms from a candy bar into a tablet.
Foldable phone design theories: Despite uncertainty, some believe foldable phones may have small external screens, multiple screens, or wrap around themselves, but lack of official information raises concerns about reliability.
The discussion surrounding the new foldable phone design revolves around various theories, including the phone wrapping around itself like a garage door, having multiple screens, or simply being two screens. However, none of the participants were able to come to a definitive conclusion based on the available information. Despite the uncertainty, some believed that the phone's small external screen was not effective, while others remained hopeful that it would add to the user's cool factor. Regardless, the lack of reviews or official information on the product raised concerns about its reliability. The conversation also touched on other topics, including innovation, the streaming wars, and a documentary on the Art Beats and Lyrics event.
Dish Network and AT&T in Merger Talks Amid Declining Satellite TV Subscriptions: Dish Network and AT&T are reportedly discussing a merger as satellite TV subscriptions decrease. Google's YouTube TV grows with deals, while traditional pay-TV providers adapt to a la carte streaming and competition from tech giants.
The traditional pay-TV industry is facing significant challenges as cord-cutting accelerates, and companies are scrambling to adapt. Dish Network is reportedly in talks to merge with DirecTV, currently owned by AT&T, as satellite TV subscriptions continue to decline. AT&T is looking to shed expenses, while Dish sees potential in merging to stay competitive. Sling TV, which Dish owns, also reported its first subscriber losses, as consumers shift towards streaming services like YouTube TV, which is growing rapidly. Companies are now focusing on building ecosystems to attract and retain subscribers, with Google's YouTube TV securing deals with Warner Media and becoming the first distributor of HBO Max. The trend towards a la carte streaming services and competition from tech giants like Amazon and Apple is forcing traditional pay-TV providers to adapt or risk losing market share.
The Future of Television: Unbundled and On-Demand: Consumers shift towards individual channel or show subscriptions, with services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV leading the trend. Live events and sports remain a challenge, but bundled options and streaming devices offer potential solutions. Convenience and flexibility come at a cost, so consider viewing habits and budgets.
The future of television is shifting towards a more unbundled and on-demand model, with consumers paying for individual channels or shows rather than traditional cable packages. Services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Apple TV are leading this trend, offering a vast library of content that can be accessed at any time. However, live events and sports remain a challenge for this model, with NBC Universal's Peacock and Disney's bundled options being potential solutions. Consumers are also increasingly moving towards streaming devices like PlayStation and Roku, rather than traditional DVD or Blu-ray players. The convenience and flexibility of on-demand content have made it a popular choice, but the cost can add up quickly. As more content becomes available through these services, it's important for consumers to consider their viewing habits and budgets to make the most of their subscription dollars.
Streaming Services and Password Sharing: Streaming services are growing through password sharing and unauthorized websites, but executives plan to monetize platforms and enforce rules in a saturated market. Virtual multi-video platform distributors (VMPDs) offer live TV and on-demand content, emerging as a significant player in the streaming market.
As more streaming services enter the market, consumers are finding creative ways to share accounts and access content, such as password sharing and using free, unauthorized websites. While this is currently helping streaming services grow and compete, it's a concern for executives who eventually plan to monetize their platforms. The industry is seeing a consolidation of services, and when the market becomes more saturated, enforcing password sharing rules could become a revenue source. However, for now, streaming services are prioritizing user acquisition and scaling over addressing password sharing. The conversation also touched on the emergence of virtual multi-video platform distributors (VMPDs), which are different from traditional MVPDs (multiple video platforms) in that they offer both live TV and on-demand content. The name VMPDs may not be ideal, but they are becoming a significant player in the streaming market.
Tech Giants Expanding Reach in Streaming Industry: Amazon, Netflix, and Disney are investing billions to expand their reach in international markets, leveraging their vast resources and low marginal costs. Traditional media companies face challenges in competing due to their higher costs and slower pace of innovation.
The streaming industry is witnessing a significant shift towards global expansion and consolidation, with tech giants like Amazon, Netflix, and Disney leading the charge. While traditional media companies are considering their options, these tech giants are focusing on expanding their reach in international markets, investing billions in different regions to secure their position. The advantage these tech companies have is their vast resources and the ability to produce and distribute content at low marginal costs. However, they face challenges in penetrating markets where sports and entertainment are bundled together for cheaper prices, and where local talent and mobile-focused plans are required. Traditional media companies, on the other hand, have the advantage of established brands and popular content, but they are struggling to keep up with the rapid pace of innovation and expansion. Disney, in particular, has a strong brand and popular IPs like Star Wars and Marvel, which give it an edge in the global market. However, it remains to be seen how Disney Plus will fare against Netflix in terms of content output and user engagement. Overall, the streaming industry is witnessing intense competition and consolidation, with tech giants leading the charge in global expansion and traditional media companies struggling to keep up.
Disney restructures streaming strategy for interconnected content universe: Disney aims to create a cohesive narrative across shows and movies, increasing viewer engagement and subscription retention, by giving more control to studio heads and integrating cancelled or non-canonical shows.
Disney is restructuring its streaming strategy by giving more control to its studio heads, allowing for a more interconnected content universe. This approach is inspired by the success of HBO and aims to create a cohesive narrative across shows and movies, increasing viewer engagement and subscription retention. The new strategy also involves bringing back cancelled or non-canonical shows if they can be integrated into the larger narrative, and using teases and crossovers to drive viewer interest and ratings. Disney's goal is to create a compelling and interconnected streaming experience that keeps viewers subscribed and invested in the content. The new approach is a response to the failed experiment of separating Marvel TV from Marvel Studios, and the recognition that quality and interconnectedness matter in the streaming landscape.
CBS to Rebrand Streaming Service as 'House of Brands': CBS plans to rebrand its streaming service, offering content from Viacom brands, and focusing on licensing to generate revenue, rather than exclusivity and original content.
CBS, which once lost a significant amount of content due to the shift towards streaming, has since regrouped and is now taking a unique approach to the industry. After merging with Viacom, they plan to rebrand their streaming service as "House of Brands," which will include offerings from various Viacom brands such as Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and MTV. Unlike competitors who focus on exclusivity and creating original content, CBS aims to license out their content to generate revenue and remain profitable. This strategy, while less risky in terms of upfront investment, may not be as effective in retaining subscribers in the long run. The new service is set to launch this year, but pricing and further details have yet to be announced.
Regional rights impact offerings of streaming services: Innovation and nostalgia coexist in various industries, with regional rights adding complexity and value
Regional rights limitations impact the offerings of streaming services, unlike more consistent industries like banking or technology. For instance, sports photographers can earn high yields through business accounts, while some consumers may feel frustrated by the limitations of older gaming technology. The nostalgia surrounding these older technologies, however, can still hold value. In the tech world, Android 11's developer preview was released earlier than ever, but its consumer-facing features, such as chat head bubbles, are still being explored. Overall, it's important to navigate the complexities of various industries and appreciate the value of both innovation and nostalgia.
Android 11: Prioritizing Security and Privacy with Scope Storage: Android 11 introduces scoped storage, limiting developers' access to user storage and requiring permission. Older Android versions pose a challenge for updates. Developer APIs are complex, and consumer features include scrolling screenshots and airplane mode not turning off Bluetooth.
Android 11 brings significant changes to the operating system, focusing on security and privacy with the implementation of scoped storage. Developers will no longer have unrestricted access to users' storage, requiring permission to access specific areas. Google is making this a requirement, forcing developers to update their apps to comply. The API situation in Android is complex, with various layers including the Play Store, Play Services, and ads, each with different rules. The vast majority of Android phones are older versions, making it a challenge for developers to prioritize updates. Other consumer-facing features include the return of scrolling screenshots and airplane mode not turning off Bluetooth. Overall, Android 11 represents a shift towards more stringent security and privacy measures, which will impact developers and users alike.
Improvements to Android 11: User Experience and Developer Tools: Google enhances user experience with pin-able apps in Share Sheet and smoother Bluetooth control. Developer tools include Kotlin, Jetpack, and addressing app permission issues.
Google is making significant improvements to Android 11, focusing on user experience and developer tools. One area of improvement is the Share Sheet, which has historically been a source of frustration for Android users. Google is allowing users to pin apps to the Share Sheet, acknowledging that users often know best what they want. Another improvement is the update to the Bluetooth stack, named Gabaldorsha, which builds upon the Bluetooth legacy and aims to make controlling Bluetooth devices smoother. Additionally, there are several holdover features from Android 10, such as screen recording and one-time location permissions, which were not fully implemented in the previous version. Google is also addressing the issue of apps repeatedly asking for permissions by eventually blocking the app if the user consistently denies the request. The challenge for Google remains in moving the Android ecosystem to new features, as there is often a lack of incentive for developers to make the necessary updates. Google is addressing this by providing nicer tools, such as Kotlin and Jetpack, which make coding Android apps easier and more standardized. Despite the Verizon Pixel drama, it's clear that Google is making strides in improving Android, and these updates are not just limited to consumer-facing features. Stay tuned for more updates as Android 11 continues to roll out.
Google's Pixel: Five-year plan for competitiveness: Discussion questioned Google's ability to compete with flagships, suggesting price drops or strategy changes, while potential relaxation of iOS default app settings was linked to antitrust scrutiny.
Google's commitment to the Pixel line remains, but concerns over its competitiveness with flagship devices persist. Speakers in the discussion questioned Google's five-year time horizon for making the Pixel a serious player in the market. They noted that the hardware quality of flagships like the Galaxy S20 Ultra outpaces the Pixel, and suggested price drops or a different strategy as potential solutions. Another topic touched upon was the potential relaxation of default app settings on iOS due to antitrust scrutiny. Apple's consideration of this change was linked to ongoing investigations and regulatory pressure, with some suggesting that this could lead to a more competitive market overall. The speakers generally agreed that the government should not dictate design choices, but that companies should respond to competitive pressures and consumer demands.
Apple and Google's contrasting approaches to antitrust regulations: Apple's closed system allows for more proactive changes to maintain control, while Google's open Android platform faces more regulatory scrutiny and concessions. Debates continue over Apple's restrictions on alternative web rendering engines and Google's dominance in rendering engines through Chrome.
Apple and Google approach antitrust regulations differently due to their varying degrees of control over their respective platforms. Apple, with its closed system, is more responsive to regulatory pressures and makes changes proactively to maintain control. Google, with its open Android platform, has faced more regulatory scrutiny and has had to make concessions, such as allowing third-party browsers and rendering engines. However, the discussion also touched upon the topic of web rendering engines and default browsers. Apple's restrictions on alternative web rendering engines on the iPhone, allegedly for security and privacy reasons, could be a subject of debate. Google, on the other hand, allows alternative browsers on Android, but they often use the same rendering engine as the default Chrome browser. The complexities of these issues make for a nuanced discussion on the balance between control, competition, and consumer choice in the tech industry.
Apple's Concession to Government Pressure and Self-Driving Cars: Apple allows users to set third-party browsers as default on iOS, balancing user experience and control. Self-driving cars remain a topic of curiosity with no clear answer on when they'll become a reality.
Apple is making concessions to government pressure by allowing users to set third-party browsers as default on iOS, a move that could improve user experience but still maintains some control. This tension between Apple's desire to control and government regulations is a common theme. Meanwhile, the self-driving car industry continues to be a topic of curiosity and speculation, with no clear answer on when it will become a reality. Another interesting discussion revolved around the documentary "Art Beets and Lyrics," which explores the origin stories of the founders and curator of the Art Beets and Lyrics event in Atlanta. The documentary follows their journey as they prepare for the event's 20th anniversary tour. Overall, the podcast touched on various topics, from technology and government regulations to self-driving cars and art.
