Julie Ask <u>likes VCast</u>, but wishes the content was more up-to-date. This should be solveable for mobile phones (because streaming is more immediate than pre-caching) but I think this going to be a big problem for portable video players.</p>



I just don't believe that most consumers will want to watch full-length films, or even half-hour comedies, on portable video players. I think news programs and sports highlights -- which come in smaller snippets, are easier to dive into and out of, and provide utility as well as entertainment -- will be the killer app. Just think of all those urban commuters piling into subway cars, portable video players in hand, catching up on the weather forecast or the Michael Jackson trial or the football scores. But if the content providers can't get news and sports available fast (and I mean within minutes of the broadcast, not days) these devices are going to have a hard time finding an audience.</p>



Put simply, I want the morning news program automatically loaded on my portable video player when I leave for my morning commute. Offer me that, and I'll buy the device. But according to Microsoft, who just briefed me on their Portable Media Center, that kind of immediacy is going to take a while. Bad news for Microsoft, and for all the companies cranking out PMCs and other portable video players.</p>

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