Another Reason Cisco, Apple Need Each Other: TelePresence
High-end TelePresence systems allow executives scattered across the world to feel as if they’re sitting across from each other in a single, virtual boardroom. But what if this next-generation video conferencing technology could be scaled down for use in your living room? Apparently, Apple is quite interested in making that dream a reality. If true, they should give Cisco Systems call.
Several blogs are buzzing about Apple’s potential plan to transform AppleTV into an interactive platform featuring chat, video and other capabilities. AppleInsider has in-depth details. And TelePresenceOptions.com, another blog, is connecting the dots between Apple’s concept and the TelePresence market.
The VAR Guy has a slightly different take on the situation. For about a year now, he’s been calling on Cisco and Apple to work far more closely together. The iPhone should be transformed into a killer device for unified communications. WebEx should have far better Macintosh support (that’s finally happening). And later, Cisco’s corporate TelePresence systems should integrate well with consumer-based systems.
Cisco CEO John Chambers thinks TelePresence could move into the home by 2010 (see item 6 on this list of Cisco-related trends). Working with Apple, Cisco could accelerate that schedule.
You’ll recall that Apple and Cisco battled a bit over the iPhone name (Cisco held the trademark but eventually allowed Apple to move forward with the name). But the duo never really announced any significant work together.
That’s too bad. Cisco wants the network to be the platform for applications. Apple increasingly dominates front-end and back-end access to digital entertainment applications. Surely, there’s a partnership in here waiting to happen.
Wishful thinking. Cisco seems more interested in Google Android than iPhone and other Apple stuff.
Keep in mind that Apple and Cisco would be competitors in bringing telepresence to the home. Cisco now owns cable set top box manufacturer Scientific Atlanta which they can now use a platform for their ultra-high definition codec that is the heart of Cisco TelePresence. The Cisco/Scientific Atlanta set top box would be a competitive offering vs. Apple TV and the iChat codec. While it would be a match made in heaven… the same thing could be said for anyone that partners with Apple who consistently delivers trend setting consumer products with superb human factors interface/human computer interaction… OR Cisco who provides rock solid carrier class reliability for IP communications of all varieties.
The coming battle to bring telepresence to the home will be a war between platforms: Cable Set Top Box (Cisco/Scientific Atlanta), the PC (multiple codec/portal providers) and the appliance (Apple TV/multiple codec/portal providers).
Who wins?
Verizon, Comcast, Time Warner, etc…. Expect the “Grandma Channel” to be the killer App for FiOS and other high quality broadband/fiber to the home providers.
The Pro-AV and high-end home theater installers who will be reaping the bonanza of the coming demand for human factors display solutions, integrated cameras/microphones/speakers/lighting that will combine with the vendors’ high-res cameras and codecs to create more humanistic solutions for the telepresence equivalent of the high-end home theater.
Remote workers who will be able to be more effective and plugged in from home
Grandparents everywhere 🙂
HSL
Howard S. Lichtman
President – Human Productivity Lab
http://www.HumanProductivityLab.com/consulting
Publisher – Telepresence Options
http://www.TelepresenceOptions.com