Mobile video services to launch & Google Chromecast

We're very close to a world-wide launch of a big-screen that fits in your pocket.

Everyone likes mobile. Everyone likes big screens.

Is it a coincidence that two major mobile companies in the US launch or re-launch their mobile content services? Services that they've set up at enormous expense?

I don't think so.

C|Net Go90 on Thursday 

"Go90, a free ad-based service that will play a selection of short and long videos, will be available in the app stores for both Apple devices and those running on Google's Android software."

Go90 Original Content
Verizon invested 5 Billion in Mobile Video

Watchable at ReCode

"The fact that you can watch Watchable without being a Comcast subscriber is worth noting, since many people believe Comcast will end up trying to make real money outside its “footprint” of areas where it sells Internet and TV access."

This article isn't very positive, but it's because apparently because the the fact that there is so much competition in the space, and that Watchable is replacing a different streaming service. (thanks Bill.)

Watchable

This is additionally interesting because of Comcast's WiFi sharing program. 


.... And Google's NEW Chromecast -- which scans all of your streaming services to help you find the content you want to watch. (I'm looking for details, but I'm assuming this is an HDMI connector that will be able to fit an MPCL1.)

Google's new Chromecast

Portability is Priceless

Back to Basics

Sure, we're all wondering what the future is going to bring with this little company. We're getting swept up in a whole lot of market turmoil. Aggressive (and ill-advised) shorting of the stock hasn't helped either.

For those of us who were at the ASM in 2013 and saw the PicoP equipped Samsung phone and the PicoP equipped Kindle Fire tablet -- that was absolutely awesome. I wasn't the only person there wondering out loud where and when I could get one of those devices.

Just in case you're curious, here's what it looked like (the PicoP projected image is on the ceiling -- a powerful plug-in model is projecting on the wall.)



This capability is due to be available world-wide in the coming month. It's not a fantasy. 

It took longer than we expected - but that's common when dealing with completely new technologies. When we first see it, we hope that it will be available immediately, or "next year" -- but prototyping is a different animal than mass production. Creating mass production for a new item is as laden with peril as getting the first prototype from the concept. I think that the MicroVision / Sony team has done an incredible job making that happen.

In a couple of weeks the MP-CL1 will be available in the US.

I'm pretty sure that we'll benefit as well from the massive investments made in mobile streaming video -- which is arriving in the same time-frame with an 80 million dollar promotional budget from Verizon.

Are we nervous? Sure, we're a small company being jostled around by a volatile market.

Am I confident? Yes. Everyone who I've showed this technology to has been wowed by it.... millions of potential investors, all looking for the next big thing -- will start seeing this in action from a big company in the next couple of weeks.

Everyone wants a bigger screen on their cellphone. This is a six foot screen you can put in your pocket.

Go90 $80 Million Dollar Marketing Blitz

If there are people who don't know about streaming TV, they'll know soon. 

I'm still interested that MCPL1 and Go90 are being released so closely together - are Verizon and SONY aware of what the other is doing? Are they working together? If that's the case, this is going to be huge for MicroVision.

If they're being forced to advertise because competition is stiff -- all the better.

Check the full article at the source.

From New York Post

"Verizon, surrounded by a feisty group of rivals, will look to further stand out from the crowd this week when it debuts go90, a mobile video service that, sources tell The Post, will be backed by a powerful $80 million marketing blitz."

Go90 Original content

From TechTimes

Check it out at the source! Ad-supported content specifically for mobile devices.

Series Titles

• Cold
• Mr Student Body President
• The Fourth Door
• Do Over
• Miss Earth

Go90 will partner up with other big names, such as ESPN, Scripps Networks Interactive, AwesomenessTV, Vice Media Viacom and Discovery Communications. Three original lifestyle programs will be launched by Endemol Beyond USA's lifestyle network, ICON. Verizon plans to feature primetime TV shows, live broadcasting and original content. Around 5 million clients from the millennial audience are beta testing and providing feedback on the Go90 to make the launch as flawless as possible.

One way for Verizon to monetize Go90 is to sell targeted ads on the platform. The company also expects a surge in data traffic, as it aims to create a vibrant "social entertainment platform." Users can discover shows by following peers with the same preferences, and, in a more engaging feature, they will be able to clip and share segments of a show.

Augmented Reality Image Problem?

Check the article out at the source. Basically, Augmented Reality has enormous potential. 

MicroVision leads in Augmented Reality Patents.

From TechCrunch

To date, Augmented Reality (AR) has been referred to as “the biggest technological advancement of our lifetime” by some, a mere “gimmick” by others or, worst yet, the next iteration of the QR code. The divisive term was introduced more than 25 years ago (although elements of AR technology have been used in science labs around the world since the mid-20th century), but if there’s one thing AR proponents and its naysayers can agree on, it’s the simple fact that AR, as we know it today, has an image problem.

...AR, in all its many forms, will be at the forefront of the next revolution in the way we connect with the world around us.

...Education provides perhaps the most tangible example of the power of AR. AugmentedReality technology in the classrooms — from today’s tablet- and mobile device-based approach to tomorrow’s heads up displays — empower the sort of visual and contextual learning proven to improve information retention to the extent that an estimated 80 percent of visual content is retained by short-term memory compared to an estimated 25 percent for spoken content.

...Take for example APX’s Skylight that offers a hands-free, AR-powered solution to empower workers across various fields to directly connect with each other and their environments to create a more efficient workforce. Companies like Daqri and WaveOptics are creating devices to enhance visual knowledge of the work environment while keeping both hands free.

MPCL1 Review

From TechRadar

Check it out at the source. I copied heavily because I'm not sure how long the article will remain in place.

OUR VERDICT

The Sont MP-CL1 provides a sharp, clear picture in an extremely pocketable form factor. Combined with a premium feel, this little guy may turn some heads.

Performance

It may be a bit surprising considering its small form factor, but the MP-CL1 sports some impressive image quality. Although the resolution is a bit of an oddball at 1920 x 720, I found that HD video was pleasant to watch. However, a full HD resolution still may be preferable for image purists.

Upon booting the projector up for the first time, colors were fairly poppy, but I did find the picture to be a tad warmer than I'd like. The colors weren't horribly off, and it's mostly a subjective matter, but a quick jaunt to the settings menu allowed for a bit of tinkering. However, some might find the number of picture settings to be a bit limiting, with Color, Hue and Saturation being the only three options.

The MP-CL1's brightness, 32 lumens, was of particular concern for me initially. Sure enough, I found that the projector is definitely not an option for brightly-lit rooms. However, it performed admirably in dim lighting, and impressed me quite a bit with its sharpness and clarity in true, dark environments. It seems that the laser projection system in this little guy really makes a difference as far as brightness is concerned.

One particularly nice feature of the MP-CL1's laser projection system is its autofocus. Oftentimes, one of the most frustrating aspects of setting up a projector is dialing in the proper focus settings so text and images pop. With the MP-CL1, there's no need for a focus control, and I found that the projector kept everything in proper focus no matter how far I moved it from the projection surface.

Finally, although I initially questioned how the MP-CL1's output would fare, the picture quality proved to be clear, sharp and bright enough for dim-to-dark environments. Add in keystone correction and no need to manually set the focus, and the MP-CL1's display prowess makes it an extremely attractive offering.

Giznoise MP-CL1 HD Mobile laser Pico Projector

From Giznoise


"So, it seems that Sony have entered the market into what I personally feel is going to be the next big thing – Hi Definition portable pico projectors."

We want the new MP-CL1 Sony

We WANT THIS -- from a Mexico Based website.

From Kopodo.com

And a cool picture that shows that Sony has plans for retail packaging.

Geekgets - info

Versus Media Mexico
Tecnoempresa

UnWire HongKong

Verizon - $5 BILLION Invested in Streaming Video

From Nasdaq

Maybe they know something about PicoP and its utility with mobile devices and the trend towards mobile from fixed.

This service will be free to users and supported by advertising.

Whatever you may think of PicoP -- it will be greeted on arrival with a primed and ready ecosystem for its adoption.

Have SONY and Verizon been coordinating their efforts? The timing couldn't be better if they planned it that way.

Five Billion invested, with the biggest cellular network -- and they're worried about the competition.

Verizon is preparing to launch its free, ad-supported streaming video service called Go90 later this month. Adoption of the new application will be closely watched by investors, given that the company has dedicated considerable resources to building its streaming video and mobile advertising capabilities, via a series of acquisitions over the last two years at a cost of roughly $5 billion. There is a larger trend to watch here as well; the service should provide an indicator as to how combining an ad platform with a wireless carrier pans out. Below we discuss Verizon's growing interest in mobile content and advertising and the prospects of the new streaming application.

Advertising spending is moving away from traditional media such as newspapers and TV, onto the Internet and mobile devices. Total digital ad spending is expected to increase 15% to $58.6 billion in 2015, according to research firm eMarketer, and mobile ad spending is expected to rise 50% to $28.7 billion.

Read more: http://www.nasdaq.com/article/will-verizons-streaming-video-service-catch-on-cm522614#ixzz3mZ8msQ4V

Watch MediaTek

From Bidness

I've been watching for MediaTek for some time because I have heard that its chips are optimized for video streaming.

This article provides some confirmation of that - some of us think that phones or smaller devices optimized for video streaming are going to be a HUGE market.

 I've clipped the key lines from the article, but check it out at the link.

Qualcomm, Inc.: How MediaTek Won Chip Orders For Next Amazon Fire TV

We at Bidness Etc believe MediaTek might stand to make a statement by luring Amazon. The truth is MediaTek won’t register a massive win against Qualcomm, especially since the video-streaming device market is a niche market and is considerably smaller than the phone market when it comes to volume. However, MediaTek is making rapid strides in a market largely dominated by fewer players, and winning orders for Amazon products will represent a major statement of intent from the Taiwan-based chip maker.

MPCL1 --- Available Mid-October in USA through Amazon.

From SONY: "The MP-CL1 will be available in the US in mid-October, through Amazon.com."

SONY Press

MicroVision WAY ahead of the competition

So, check this out. A load of companies say they're going to try to do something that's on the cutting edge -- equip their employees with smart glasses.

Why companies are RUSHING to fit their employees with smart glasses.

"In a recent survey conducted by Herndon, Va.-based APX Labs—who collected responses from 201 U.S.-based companies in various industries—60 percent of participants who don't currently use smart glasses were open to adopting it in the near future while 51 percent said they have plans for using smart glasses in the upcoming year."

"The smart glasses data represented a faster projected growth rate than any other “smart” wearable tech device mentioned in the report, including growth rates related to smart watches, activity/fitness trackers, indoor location sensors/beacons and wearable mobile cameras."

"In terms of industries where smart glasses will become prevalent, APX Labs CEO/founder Brian Ballard said that he believes manufacturing, field service, maintenance and repair, material handling and logistics, and inspection/quality control will be key. “These are important jobs, with lots of people and where improving performance in terms of process speed, employee productivity, production quality and compliance/safety has giant impacts on the bottom line,” he added."

Now, you may be thinking "What does this have to do with MicroVision?" Check this out. Not only is MicroVision a leader in IP in this space, but they've ALREADY DONE IT.

Their display is improved, and the software is improved, and they've already been 
there. Listen to these guys laugh at what's 10 years ahead of its time. Listen to the guy in the blue shirt.


The technology (the supporting software, tracking, and even the display, has caught up with sentiment.)



  Now that MicroVision has PicoP well in hand and ready to generate cash for the company through its partners (SONY & others), they can begin re-engaging with this market that is clearly now ready for what they have to offer.

WiseGeek What is a Virtual Retinal Display?

Bathwater as game screen

We saw this a long time ago, and it just popped up again. IF you haven't seen it, it's worth a look. 

I'm not sure why it has just re-appeared.

From Inverse

PlayStation Video Update - Download for offline viewing

One of the things I've been looking for to make the environment for PicoP most accommodating is a way to download desired content to the mobile device for playing later.

Streaming is not always convenient, efficient or possible. I've been eager to see that means of retaining some content on the mobile device is both possible and easy.

Looks like now we have that too.

Xperia Blog

Honeywell Partnership?

This is likely a case of bad journalism.

But then the plot thickens: This is at the top of the Yahoo Finance page today: (thanks Omer)

Honeywell CEO "I want to be the Apple of the industrial sector"

"“The focus on internal processes I also think is a big deal, and that's why you've seen us do things like the Honeywell operating system, which is really the Toyota production system 'Honeywell-ized.' How we do velocity product development, the focus that we've had with what we call the Honeywell user experience, where I want to become the Apple of the industrial sector. We really spend a lot of time on saying, 'how do you become better and better with all your processes?' because everything always comes down to people and process," Cote says."

HONEYWELL’S ONRAMP DESIGN SUITE APPLYING AUGMENTED REALITY TO INCREASE SAFETY

While digging through the various things I have programmed to enter my in-box this morning, I came across this article about Honeywell "OnRAMP" design.

I pulled this earlier as I continued to dig through information about OnRAMP. Most of that is listed on Honeywell's Site about OnRamp discusses engine efficiency, fuel efficiency and the like I had second thoughts. 

However, the article was about "Augmented Reality" and Honeywell, and clearly uses an image from MicroVision. You decide... 

The image they used for the HUD seemed familiar to me. I referred to the MicroVision Website, and the picture referring to the Honeywell HUD is the SAME image that MicroVision uses on their website to show their Heads Up Display Technology.

We'll see. I'll be calling IR this morning to figure this out. -- I received a reply: This is the key part of the reply:

"There is no attribution to MicroVision for the photo so do not draw any conclusions."

From VRFocus

"One of the new features being added to modern vehicles includes head-up displays, which use a type of augmented reality (AR) to enhance drivers awareness of the road and traffic environment during low-visibility conditions. The result being increased safety.

Chris Greentree, general manager of Honeywell Automotive Software said in a statement: “Our software offerings provide auto manufacturers the capability to solve complex powertrain challenges with easy-to-use desktop software. The OnRAMP suite of tools can use predictive software to replace physical sensors and also improve the driving experience for the end consumer.”

This image taken from the VRFocus Article

This image from MicroVision Website

SONY Z5 & MPCL1 EVENT - September 25

From SONY Hong Kong Facebook

For the win, it may be associated with the "Bond Edition" Z5 (Bond Edition)

(Translated by Google:)

The new Sony Xperia ™ Z5, Z5 Compact and Sony mini projector (MP-CL1) coming soon! Want to experience the first to enroll immediately experience will it! Shipping costs shelf!

Xperia ™ Z5, Z5 Compact and Sony mini projector (MP-CL1) experience will
Date: September 25
Time: 7:30 - 9:30
Location: Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong Innovation Centre 72 Chamber 1A-B
Capacity: 100
Fee: Free

Sony mini projector (MP-CL1) experience will
Date: September 26
Game 1: 2:30 - 3:30
Game 2: 3:45 pm - 4:45
Game 3: 5:00 - 6:00
Location: Sony Studio Causeway classroom
(555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong 16th Floor, East Point Centre)
Capacity: 20 per game
Fee: Free

Deadline: September 23 12:00 noon
Announced: September 24
Registration URL: https://www.sony.com.hk/campaign/fbc_prereg4/

World Cellphone Use by Country

This information popped up in a conversation on InvestorVillage. The specific reference is here. (I cleaned it up a little so the display would be better.) 

As PicoP powered projectors are going to be primarily cellphone accessories whether embedded or otherwise attached to the cellphone, this is a good analysis of the market for MicroVision's PicoP.

It is particularly noteworthy that the market for cellphones is nearly as large as the entire population of the world. And in numerous places they have significantly more cellphone connections than people. 

Also of note is that cellphones are commonplace in second and third world countries, much more so than I expected. 

In some of those places -- where people are unable to afford the price, space and electric bills to support a regular television set, they will be able to afford an accessory PicoP -- and access media like western audiences through their cellular devices. 

Our potential market is gigantic and ready for the product that MicroVision can deliver with its partners.

Rank	Country or region	Number of mobile phones	Population	Connections /100 citizens	Data Year
	World	6,800,000,000+	7,012,000,000	97.1	2013
01	China	1,276,660,000	1,369,811,000	93.2	2014
02	India	960,579,472	1,267,402,000	77.5	2015
03	United States	327,577,529	317,874,628	103.1	2014
04	Brazil	284,200,000	201,032,714	141.3	2015
05	Russia	256,116,000	142,905,200	155.5	2013
06	Indonesia	236,800,000	237,556,363	99.7	2013
07	Nigeria	167,371,945	177,155,754	94.5	2014
08	Pakistan	140,000,000	180,854,781	77.0	2014
09	Bangladesh	126,870,000	157,497,000	80.5	2013
10	Japan	121,246,700	127,628,095	95.1	2015
11	Germany	107,000,000	81,882,342	130.1	2013
12	Philippines	106,987,098	94,013,200	113.8	2013
13	Iran	96,165,000	73,973,650	130.0	2013
14	Mexico	101,339,000	112,322,757	90.2	2013
15	Italy	88,580,000	60,090,400	147.4	2013
16	United Kingdom	83,100,000	64,100,000	129.6	2013
17	Vietnam	72,300,000	90,549,390	79.0	2013
18	France	72,180,000	63,573,842	114.2	2013
19	Egypt	92,640,000	82,120,000	112.8	2013
20	Thailand	69,000,000	67,480,000	105.0	2015
21	Turkey	68,000,000	75,627,384	89.9	2013
22	Ukraine	57,505,555	45,579,904	126.0	2013
23	South Korea	56,004,887	50,219,669	111.5	2014
24	Spain	55,740,000	47,265,321	118.0	2013
25	Argentina	56,725,200	40,134,425	141.3	2013
26	Poland	47,153,200	38,186,860	123.5	2013
27	Colombia	49,066,359	47,000,000	104.4	2013
28	South Africa	59,474,500	50,586,757	117.6	2013
29	Algeria	33,000,000	35,000,000	94.2	2013
30	Taiwan	28,610,000	23,197,947	123.3	2013
31	Kenya	28,080,000	42,000,000	71.3	2013
32	Venezuela	32,019,086	30,163,157	106.2	2014
33	Peru	33,000,000	30,000,000	110.0	2013
34	Romania	26,000,000	21,438,000	123.5	2010
35	Canada	28,217,707	35,675,834	79.1	2014
36	Morocco	36,550,000	33,818,662	113.6	2015
37	Netherlands	20,000,000	16,515,057	121.1	2013
38	Australia	30,200,000	22,700,000	133.0	2013
39	Saudi Arabia	46,000,000	27,137,000	169.5	2013
40	Malaysia	30,379,000	28,250,000	143.8	2014
41	Sri Lanka	22,123,000	20,771,000	107.0	2014
42	Chile	21,000,000	17,094,270	122.9	2013
43	Nepal	18,240,670	26,620,020	86.8	2014
44	Ethiopia	18,000,000	85,000,020	21.8	2013
45	Guatemala	17,571,895	14,713,763	119.4	2013
46	Ecuador	15,900,000	14,300,000	111.2	2013
47	Portugal	13,400,000	10,562,178	126.9	2013
48	Hong Kong	17,445,581	7,264,100	240.2	2015
49	Belgium	11,822,000	10,414,000	113.6	2013
49	Hungary	11,561,890	9,908,798	116.7	2013
50	United Arab Emirates	17,132,724	8,410,763	203.7	2014
51	Sweden	11,194,000	9,103,788	122.9	2012
52	Bulgaria	10,655,000	7,600,000	140.2	2008
53	Israel	9,319,000	7,310,000	127.5	2008
54	Finland	9,310,000	5,457,429	170.4	2013
55	Singapore	8,106,700	5,399,000	150.1	2015
56	Denmark	7,000,000	5,543,819	126.2	2008
57	Azerbaijan	7,000,000	8,900,000	78.7	2009
58	Jordan	6,010,000	5,950,000	101.0	2010
59	New Zealand	4,922,000	4,430,000	111.1	2012
60	Mongolia	3,500,000	2,980,000	117.4	2013
61	Estonia	2,070,000	1,294,486	159.9	2012
62	Lebanon	2,720,000	4,224,000	64.4	2010
63	Lithuania	4,940,000	2,955,986	167.1	2013
64	Cuba	1,300,000	11,200,000	11.6	2011
65	North Korea	2,000,000	24,451,285	8.3	2013
66	Panama	6,900,000	3,405,813	202.5	2013
67	Malta	452,515	554,651	122.6	2013
68	Zimbabwe	13,518,887	13,060,000	103.5	2014
69	Montenegro	1,103,698	620,029	178.0	2014
70	Ireland	5,770,638	4,581,269	125.9	2015