News and Analysis

Executive Shuffles In Techworld?

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We know yahoo has a new CEO, who I’m guessing wouldn’t take the job if she didn’t have a plan.

Netflix has a new CMO.

THQ has a new VP of Production.

I’m smelling a lot of executive shuffling right now.  OK actually I’m seeing it since news doesn’t smell like much of anything, but you get the idea.

Now all these companies have had their ups and downs, even Netflix (which causes their own problems).  But three big changes at three companies in this short time . . . makes me think that they (and probably others) are gearing up for big things, or hopeful big things.  You don’t make some of these changes without planning to MAKE changes.

So this is your friendly progeek’s nudge to keep an eye on these companies and see wht happens – and to look for other exeuctive shuffles.  If this is a trend, we may be seeing a lot of changes in tech . . . which, come to think of it, I’m expecting.

– Steven Savage

Steven Savage is a Geek 2.0 writer, speaker, blogger, and job coach for professional and potentially professional geeks, fans, and otaku. He can be reached at https://www.stevensavage.com/

 

 

 

The Impact of Ouya

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So now Ouya has its first announcement of exclusive content.  This is pretty interesting and yes, I’m going to buy one, I feel almost morally obligated as . . . er, well me.

So let’s assume they can somehow turn $5 million into a good functioning game console running Android.  I figure it’s going to happen between the enthusiasm, the public, the money, and the fact they’re being watched like a hawk by the people who provided $5 million.  My guess is the worse the Ouya is going to be is mediocre.

So based on that assumption, what’s going to happen during and after release to everyone else?

Developers:

  • Developers are going to have to consider it’s role in their products.  For Android game developers it’s going to affect some development plans (screen size, controls), but hey it’s something else to put things out on.  For non-Android developers, then the question comes up “do you support it?”
  • I expect people to have big plans for the device, but some will be disappointed in the results their games get simply due to the randomness of fate.  Expect some “sales haters” when the launch happens.
  • The Ouya could become an excellent educational tool/device for training and education.  It’s cheap, hackable, and runs Android.

Microsoft:

  • This is a weird one.  Microsoft makes a great product with XBox, and the Ouya, no matter how good it is, may not be as polished.  At the same time this provides a less-gated, more diverse competitor appealing to a tech crowd.  I think they may ignore it for awhile, but I’m sure they’re curious.
  • Microsoft should be OK in the end as they’re evolving a broad device.

Nintendo:

  • Nintendo is still king of the oddball controllers and the Ouya can’t beat that – yet.  But with a hackable and open device, a lot CAN be done.  It won’t be an issue at first, but who knows what will be done (say, any Android phone as an equivalent of a Wii U controller?)
  • Nintendo has a dedicated oddball and property space, so I actually imagine they’ll do OK.

Apple:

  • Look, at some point they’ll have to talk gaming device.  This may just push them into something “gamesque,” even if it’s a variant on Apple TV with some games and controls.  By now I don’t think they can – or want to -ignore it.

Maker Culture:

  • Will go freaking insane for this.  Expect controllers (as noted), hacks, additions, and things involving Arduino you can’t imagine.

GameStop:

  • I imagine they’ll want to sell this thing and will go out of their way to do so.
  • This could actually be good for their continued expansion and diversification if they’re able to get in perhiperals and other devices.  May give them more geek cred.

Google:

  • Is smiling.

– Steven Savage

Steven Savage is a Geek 2.0 writer, speaker, blogger, and job coach for professional and potentially professional geeks, fans, and otaku. He can be reached at https://www.stevensavage.com/

Yes, It’s Automated Mashed Potatoes

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So in some 7-11 in Singapore has an automated mashed potato machine.

We’ve also talked automated pizza here, automated convenience stores, and so on.  As you may have guessed, I kind of have a thing for automation, especially in the realm of food.  There’s a reason for that.

Let’s face it, people like their food and like it fast.  A lot of people like gadgets.  Oh, and a lot of businesses would like to remove “people” from the equation of a lot of things.  I see more and more food automation – and seemingly wacky automation – as a potential trend for these reasons.

In fact, I could see it go farther with concern over health.  Tell me how actual attempts to deliver healthy food someone would go over – at least in the right areas?

So, for you progreeks, keep food automation in mind.  If people are going to make a freaking mashed potato vendor this year, I can easily see a lot more food automation happening in the next decade.

Until then, pass the mashed potatoes.

– Steven Savage

Steven Savage is a Geek 2.0 writer, speaker, blogger, and job coach for professional and potentially professional geeks, fans, and otaku. He can be reached at https://www.stevensavage.com/