The Golden Age of Video

Mike Berkley February 15, 2012

1

The Golden Age of Video

We are about to enter the Golden Age of Video. The mass proliferation of connected consumer devices, ubiquitous access to high-speed wireless Internet, and all-you-can-eat subscription models create a context ripe for killer consumer-centric video services.

2

Access Is Better Than Ownership

Access to unlimited content is significantly more valuable than ownership of some content.

3

TV Of The Future Will Still “Just Work”

The future of TV will be as simple and delightful as TV was 60 years ago. Turn it on, and it will just work. When you click the play or tune button, playback will start in less than a second.

4

The Video Experience Starts With Your Phone

Your phone will be the preferred interface between you and your media. With a tap of your finger, playback can be instantaneously shifted from your phone to the best device near you, be it your Xbox or directly to your HDTV. But it all starts with your phone.

5

No More Lost Remote Controls

The on-screen TV experience can be controlled entirely by your phone, whether by touch or by voice. No more TV remote controls to lose in the couch.

6

Less Is More on TV

Unlike a desktop media app, the TV user interface will be gorgeous, have heroic artwork with lots of breathing room, minimal chrome, and minimal interaction requirements. The UI on TV will play a supporting role to the content.

7

The Service Anticipates What You Want

Your video service will be highly personalized. It will know your tastes and interests, your consumption patterns. It will anticipate what content you want and when you want it. You will never be more than a tap away from your favorite shows or your history of viewed videos.

8

You, Your Friends, and Everyone

The service also knows what shows and movies your friends are watching and what they’ve recommended specifically to you. Within any category or genre of video, you will always be able to view what’s most popular among everyone, among viewers like you, and among your friends.

9

Serendipity is Embraced and Optimized

Discovery of new content happens all the time, and usually when you’re not able to consume it. Adding new shows or movies to your Watchlist on your phone will be super easy and convenient. On Twitter and Facebook, “Save to Watchlist” buttons will appear next to any mention of TV programs or movies.

10

Never Miss The Stuff You Love

You will be able to subscribe to TV shows, TV networks, movie studios, actors, directors, sports teams, and news topics. With a subscription, new video content will get pushed to you as it comes online. Items you’ve already watched will be subdued in the UI. Items in progress will resume where you left off, regardless of device.

11

The Viewing Experience Is Augmented

Your video experience will be augmented with synchronized, supporting content on a 2nd screen. The augmenting content may consist of photos, music, commentary, polls, outtakes, etc. It will come directly from the content producers, actors, the crowd, your friends… and you.

12

Linear TV Will Always Work On Your Schedule

You will get a wonderful linear TV experience that is IP-delivered. It will come with Network DVR capabilities, allowing you to access everything on-demand that has aired in the last week. Live TV will be seamlessly integrated with all your favorite on-demand video, in the same UI.

13

Spotify Is A Platform. Let Developers Go Crazy.

Finally, remember, the role of Spotify is to provide an awesome video platform with a great core experience. Leverage the developer community to design and build the killer, bleeding-edge video experiences.

14

HBO GO: Best Video Experience. So Far.