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Akoo to use iPhone to control in-store on-demand displays
Akoo International announced plans to develop a web site optimized for the iPhone's Safari browser that will allow customers to use their iPhones to control in-store media displays. Presumably, store displays will announce their m-Venue URL and invite visitors to whip out their iPhones and take part. NikoDrakoulis, Akoo CEO, calls this "real-time consumer-to-brand interactivity." Done well, this may provide an amusing way to pass the time as one's spouse takes his or her time shopping. Done poorly, this will distract customers from actually purchasing products and will tick off the waiting spouses and children as the iPhone user plays with his or her toy. This press release suggests that restaurants and sports bars would be a great place to install these displays. TUAW could never imagine fights breaking out over which iPhone user gets to control the channel. Thanks Chris Tutor
Sports bars invest in HD to compete with home theater
Just like movie theaters, sports bars are feeling the crunch when it comes to home theaters encroaching on their territory. As much as fans might like the atmosphere, not many will come by to watch the game if the picture isn't as good as the one they've got at home. The ESPNZone chain is upgrading their locations with HDTVs everywhere, as well as many smaller establishments. The Chicago location wasn't done in time for the Super Bowl but expects to have their renovation completed next week. One bar owner quoted must have a few HD Beat readers as regulars as he noted that before HD some people would see their TVs, turn around and walk right back out. However, the occasional few-second delay in HD broadcasts can cause uncomfortable situations if some TVs are tuned to SD. It's good to see that establishments are aware of what they need to do to stay competitive, since sports is one of the top high-def draws.
No HD Super Bowl if your local affiliate and cable company can't agree
We've seen it noted in a few of the comments here, some HDTV cable subscribers having to go antenna or not at all if they want to watch the Super Bowl in high definition while their provider and the owners of local stations squabble. We know a lot of HDTV owners are sports fanatics, and so do advertisers and television companies who are determined to get every dollar they can.This article notes a typical battle currently going on in North Carolina and other areas. We recently posted about the owner of this affiliate, Sinclair, reaching a deal in Columbus, Ohio for HDTV broadcasts. Unless someone bends unexpectedly it doesn't look like Greensboro residents can expect the same. Is there anything customers can do when stuck like this? Switching to satellite or using an antenna isn't always feasible or desirable. I think local sports bars are at the bottom of a massive conspiracy, you heard it here first.
