Value In Mobile TV + Video Calling?

• November 15th, 2006 | Mobile TV

Is there any value in mobile video calling? In some circumstances, yes. But Luca Filigheddu says no for trivial things such as directory assistance. In other words, do you really need to see the operator’s face? Would you pay extra for that? Certainly not I. Video calling on mobile to friends and family, however, is something I’d pay for. I’d even consider watching brief segments of video content, say a music video or two, but not movies.

Maybe a younger person than I feels differently, but I think I’d get eyestrain. Earlier this year, I watched 5 standard length music videos in succession on a Palm Treo 650, which has a screen size of 320 x 320 pixels, and it was not an enjoyable experience. I guess higher quality might help, as some of the videos were a bit grainy even at that small size. So I can’t imagine watching mobile TV on such a small screen (though as a TV junkie, I’m willing to try). But if someone came up with an affordable HUD (Heads Up Display), the eyestrain factor is removed. And provided it fits like a pair of sunglasses instead of being “wraparound your face” style, you don’t have to worry about lack of air circulation around your eyes - i.e., no sweating.

Generally speaking, there are a lot of comfort factors (e.g., screen size), speed/ network issues, to be worked on before mobile video in any form - either for two-way calls or mobile TV - will be enjoyable for most people. And there are some applications where it’s simply unecessary.