Predictions for 2008
Let’s start with Nokia, there back in 2008! Nokia are addressing one of the biggest area’s I believe manufacturers can invest in to create loyal customers. That is integrating web services directly into the devices at an OS level. The new focus on the US market will play a major role in Nokia future plays. However, I don’t know if Nokia’s great phone designs and these new web services are enough to hold off the competition from the likes of Google, Sony/Ericsson and Apple. Nokia needs to partner with Nintendo in 2008. For Nokia sake they need to hope Nintendo is not already talking to Google.
How about Sony/Ericsson are they dead in 2008? Like Nokia, Sony/Ericsson has focused on emerging markets and not the US market. So will this change on 2008, maybe if Sony releases the PSPphone. If Sony releases the PSPphone with the capabilities of purchasing games via the PSN store and over-the-air then this device could make some serious waves in 2008. When you consider how well the PSP is selling this make good sense. However the key with such a device is going to be ease of use and how easy you can move information (games, music and movies) to and from this device. The software, which let’s face it is not Sony’s strong suit, is going to make or break this device.
Speaking of Sony I do see brighter days ahead for the PS3? Well I see them scraping the current PS3’s PSN store design, which in my opinion could not happen soon enough. I’m predicting this comes out at the same time Sony releases it’s new Home application in the April or May time frame. Additionally, this will boost the PS3 and allow it to make up some serious ground against Microsoft and Nintendo. Yes I know that sales are up on the PS3 platform after the price cuts. However, people who have both the PS3 and XBox 360 view the 360 as a stronger platform not only because of the game titles released but because of the user interface and ease of use. Another aspect of Sony’s overall strategy I see becoming a reality in 2008 is the addition of Sony’s music and movie library’s into the PS3, PSP and PSPphone experience. The key here is, are the other music and movie company willing to play in Sony’s pond since they are competitors.
I for one hope that Sony learns a new speed besides turtle slow and stop. There is so much potential in what Sony could do with the Playstation brand of products but they just seem to be behind the curve about 3 steps.
It’s hard to discuss predictions without look at what Apple is going to do in 2008. The latest Apple rumors has Apple introducing movie rentals into iTunes. I see this becoming a reality with a couple of twists. One the movies will be playable for a couple of days and only a selected number of plays. As I also believe on top of being able to play these movies on an Apple TV, you will be able to play them on iPods and iPhones. Hence the need for the limited amount of times you can play a movies before you have to purchase it or rent it again. Speaking of this at the end of movies you rent off iTunes you will be prompted to purchase the movie at a discounted price. Apple will use this as a way to entice people to purchase movies.
As for iPhone’s in 2008, games and storage are the big additions to look forward to. But I’m sure your read 200 stories on what is coming from Apple in regards to the iPhone.
It may seem that I have focused too much on digital media and game aspects of what 3008 has in store for us. However when you consider the revenues these markets represent these are truly some of the largest markets with the biggest potential for massive growth in 2008. Not to mention the area’s that can have the biggest impact on our lives going forward.
Anyway you look at it 2008 is shaping up to bring us great new innovative products.
