The big music label cabal membership shrinks to three. EMI has been sold in pieces to Sony and Universal. Look for more lobbying to make back catalog copyrights immortal with few new releases outside formula pop. Expect the indie market to grow even a little faster as the old school record deal will be all but dead.
Patent insanity: Microsoft gets some DOJ scrutiny after abundant coaxing from Google and B&N. While Android device makers continue to bear the brunt of Redmond’s royalty rustling, Google is accused of violating the Linux GPL in Android. Meanwhile back in the troll dungeon, Righthaven gets another well deserved flogging.
If tablets really are consumption devices, then content is king. The $200 tablet wars appear to be confirming this before new devices even ship. This could spell much bigger trouble for the fruit cult than it’s 66% price premium.
More fodder for new wave of class warfare agitators? Apple and Oracle dominate in tech’s highest executive salaries. Naw, these companies tend to lean left, so they’ll get a pass. Will these over the top salaries cause a shareholder revolt? That’s not likely either.
New life for Moore’s Law: Changes in transistor geometry could push chip density even further.
With Google’s deep pockets, YouTube has done a great job of creating the most trafficed video site on the internet. Upstart Hulu blasted onto the scene only months ago to show there’s money in ad supported full length content, out earning YouTube and every other online video portal. You tube has moved quickly to upgrade its uber crappy video quality, and has been on the hunt for premium content. The new deal with MGM gets the site closer to the mark. The next question is ad revenue. Google’s strategy is a 100% automated system, while Hulu has the benefit of leveraging long standing sponsorships fostered over many decades at NBC/Universal and Newscorp/Fox.
Last month, YouTube launched full-length programming from CBS; now, YouTube has told Reuters it will be offering full-length television shows and movies from MGM. The move would make MGM the first studio to offer full-length movies via YouTube.
An official announcement is expected today, but the MGM offerings are expected to follow in the format of CBS programming that has appeared on YouTube, including the original Star Trek series. Shows will likely sport pre-roll advertisements that can’t be skipped, and advertising alongside the shows. It’s not know at this time whether Google will be selling ad space alongside the programming or whether (like CBS) MGM will do its own ad placement. Industry watchers expect that advertising revenue for the shows will be split between the two companies. (Gigaom)
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