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Ok, so we lied about being done with the contestant interviews. We have two more that were submitted before the deadline, so we’re going to give them both the chance to have their voices heard! First up, we have Justin Brannock, who is vying for the LA loft. An actor, photographer, web developer and event planner, Brannock has a diverse background and a passion for technology. If you think he truly is the “Host with the Most”, please vote for him every day until August 20th. Continue reading after the break for the full interview.
Today we are bringing you the last installment of our Logitech “Host with the Most” contestant interviews for the first round of voting, which ends this Friday. So, last but not least, we bring you Rob Blasko, who is vying for the LA loft. An event producer and designer, Rob has worked with numerous high profile clients, including Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, and the Atlanta Falcons. If you think he truly is the “Host with the Most”, be sure to vote for him every day until August 20th. Continue reading after the break for the full interview.
What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?
The opportunity to host events for Logitech really got me excited, as I’ve used their products for years and years. From my first webcam to my current wireless mouse, I’m a big fan of their products. I think the Logitech Loft campaign is a BRILLIANT chance to really connect with users, especially with the beautiful loft space that Logitech has gotten their hands on for the events! Plus, I’m addicted to nearly all of Google’s product offerings, Google TV included.
Do you have any previous experience with other Internet TV devices?
Does anyone remember WebTV? I had one of those clunky devices back in… 1997? It was a long time ago, and obviously Internet TV has come a very long way since then. I’m also a fan of the Apple TV product, though there are some limitations with the device that make it a little too restrictive in my opinion.
What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?
I think we’ve seen a HUGE shift over the past few years in the way the Internet is used as an entertainment channel. In the past, users fired up Netscape or Internet Explorer to watch a quick YouTube clip or check out the latest sports scores. But now, we’re already seeing the endless possibilities for how Internet TV will become a part of our everyday lives: it’s truly ANYTHING at our fingertips, just a remote button push away.
Google TV and Logitech Revue offer a product that’s very different from anything we’ve seen before. For starters, the Revue doesn’t require users to upgrade their television in order to enjoy the entertainment offerings of Internet TV—a huge plus for those of us who don’t want to spend tons of cash to experience the software. Additionally, I think the search power, solid reliability, and open source nature of Google TV trump any other device software available.
Will Google TV help bring about a change in the way TV and other media is distributed and viewed?
Definitely. I don’t think we’ve seen a product make a major impact in television/media distribution and viewing since the launch of TiVo. Television networks, cable outlets, and even advertisers started scrambling when TiVo brought large-scale, easy-to-use DVR capabilities to our living rooms. These media companies were forced to respond because, quite frankly, they didn’t want to lose out on advertising dollars.
Google brings a mega product to the table with Google TV. With a straight-forward interface, robust search capabilities, and brand recognition that surpasses any other tech company today, the media WILL make a shift as more and more users start adopting the product.
With the amount of content available online these days from sites like Hulu and Netflix, do you foresee a shift away from the traditional cable and satellite platform to a more open, Internet-based approach?
100%. Do a quick survey of your friends: are you happy with your cable/satellite provider? I’d bet you won’t find many people jumping with praise when it comes to that topic. Let’s face it: we’re tired of bad service, ridiculous fees, and limited offerings. I expect a massive shift in this industry over the coming years, and I think the Google TV product will be a major factor in making this happen. I want to turn on my television and watch whatever my heart desires, when my brain desires it – and I’m sure you do too. This is more than possible thanks to current technology—we just need to jumpstart the transition.
Do you feel there is a large enough market for Google TV to be a success? Or will people see devices like Revue as just another box they don’t want to add in their living rooms?
I don’t want a cluttered living room. In fact, I’m all about simplicity when it comes to my home entertainment. This is where I think Google TV will excel. There’s plenty of market space available for Google TV—potential users just need to see how the product will become their one true source for entertainment. I for one can’t wait to install my Revue device, and through the Logitech Loft I hope to share with others exactly why.
Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?
My focus for the LA loft will be showcasing how Logitech Revue with Google TV offers something for everyone: whether on-the-go soccer mom, hipster twenty-something, or cutting-edge techno junkie, the Logitech Loft LA will be hosting an event for you. Daytime demos, happy hour hangouts, football feasts, and late night lounging are just a few of the events I’ll host to help share the future of television.
As for additional promotions and generating further awareness, well, I have an insatiable appetite for blogging and vlogging, tweeting and meeting, sharing and Foursquare’ing. There are way too many social media based promotions to list here, but you can expect me to offer some really unique incentive opportunities centered around the Logitech Loft. I think the best way to promote the Revue and Google TV software is to allow people to experience it themselves, which is why the Loft events will be key to spreading the word.
Bio:
Rob Blasko is an entertainment event producer. With a resume of diverse experience, Rob has worked on the design and production of theatrical productions, live shows, special events, and corporate experiences. Rob’s clients include Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, and the Atlanta Falcons, among others. As a designer for the Web and print for over 10 years, Rob has brought his creative talents and visual aesthetic to numerous projects worldwide. Rob was raised on biscuits and gravy in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mass Media Studies from Florida State University. Follow Rob @roblahblah on Twitter for his insight on social media, event production, Mexican food, and raising a Boston Terrier puppy. Also, don’t forget to vote!
Well, that’s all she wrote for now. A big thanks to all the contestants for sharing their insights, and we sincerely wish them the best of luck in the rest of the competition. Stay tuned for details and who will be advancing, and what we have in store next.
Time for another installment of our Logitech “Host with the Most” contestant interviews. Today, we’re featuring Siv Lam, who is vying for the SF Loft. A web-consultant and fashion blogger for the San Fransisco Examiner, Lam is also a devoted tech enthusiast who is especially interested in female roles in the industry. If you think she truly is the “Host with the Most”, be sure to vote for her every day until August 20th, which is now just around the corner. Continue reading after the break for the full interview.
Time for another installment of our Logitech “Host with the Most” contestant interviews. Today we’re featuring Praneet Kailey, who is vying for the NY loft. A young, vivacious executive, Kailey has held positions with several high profile companies, including Oracle, Genentech, and the Crimson Consulting Group. Be sure to vote for her every day until August 20th if you truly feel is she the “Host with the Most”. Continue reading after the break for the full interview.
What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?
This contest is pure brilliance! Not only will Logitech Revue and Google TV provide the potential hosts with incredible lofts and dream agendas to fulfill, they will be harnessing the best strategy to reach the masses: viral marketing! How could I NOT be attracted to this opportunity? This is one of those RARE chances to make history. I am that girl next door… Wait a minute, the international version of the girl next door. I can relate to almost everybody and I have the open mind, compassion, and the unique ability to reach and relate to others. I’m proud to be a connector…and I was attracted to the chance to truly put that gift to use and for a revolutionary product I am inspired by!
People want to share and bond with people who are like them, and they want to feel a common link and take comfort in what is familiar. They also may appreciate the tech-jargon, but after learning about what’s under the hood, most of us want to hear all about exactly what that translates to in our everyday lives, what it all means, and in a way your best friend would explain it to you. Who better to take honest, raw, enthusiastic advice from than someone who feels the same way? Having traveled the world leading a colorful and crazy life full of trials and tribulations, hard-work and determination, I am that approachable personality people will relate to! The ‘Host with the Most’ contest is made for me, the attraction was inevitable!
Do you have any previous experience with other Internet TV devices?
Other than having tried to make use of Apple TV, honestly, I don’t! …But I love the Internet and I love consuming media on the Web. That’s the frank and forthright truth of the matter…and I have to say, I am sure that millions of people are right there with me, right? I am excited by the idea of bringing the Web into my living room and I want to learn and know a whole lot more about Internet TV devices like Google TV with Logitech Revue. I want to really get fresh, unbiased, and clean information from a personal experience, and teach the world as I learn myself; step by step, hand in hand. I am that first time user who will be blown away by the limitless options this technology will bring to the table, and will naturally emit that new found burst of excitement and innovation to everyone!
What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?
First and foremost, Google TV will be the software platform that drives hardware makers to new levels of innovation. Innovations and inventions like this inspire so much creativity in developers; the platform invites and encourages this with open arms. Logitech’s set top box will literally transform your TV into a computer giving you access to use Wi-Fi, keyboards and a mouse with your own TV in your own home.
This is about simplicity. The best thing about Google search is the simplicity of the search experience….Now you get that same simplicity with Google TV: search for your favorite shows, movies, channels, etc. AND simultaneously on that same active screen, browse web content all from your couch with the search bar you have grown to love on the Internet. This is no longer limited to a Tom Cruise sci-fi flick, it’s going to be our reality….well, the floating projection interactive stuff will perhaps come later…
The truth is that running on Google Android, which is an open source platform, provides big advantages for Google versus Apple’s iTV, Samsung’s TV, and all other walled gardens. The ability to customize the platform will open up doors for all types of developers as it gives them a code base to build on top of. Google TV also gives you complete access to the Android Market, which basically brings your favorite apps from your phone on to the TV as well. Can you imagine that? It’s absolutely incredible!
Again, the best part is, it’s not just a far-fetched concept were dreaming of, but rather it’s around the corner and ready to meet us! In fact, the very same apps we use to check email, buy DVDs, create lists, play games and sift through photos, will be interacted with on our TV screens while we watch a favorite show or Youtube clip (on the same screen still), simultaneously. It’s the dream gadget, like that universal remote control that helps make life easier, only much MUCH better… OK, FAR BETTER! It’s consolidation sent from tech heaven and its here to make our lives that much more productive, simple and fun.
So, the core reason this excites me is because it is all encompassing!!! I see Internet TV as a platform spanning across all types of media on TV and the Web. The influence of Internet TV will scale across geo political boundaries and enhance our lives.
Will Google TV help bring about a change in the way TV and other media is distributed and viewed?
Absolutely! The Internet has revolutionized our way of life. Electronic and print media has been transformed by the pervasive use of the Internet as a primary source of information and advertising. Google TV literally bridges the gap between the Internet and your TV — it brings the Web right into your living room so that you can consume traditional net-only -content like YouTube with your family and friends. Who better to pioneer this type of a revolution than Google?! Google has made information available at our finger-tips free of cost. Google has changed the way we live our lives. It’s synonymous with search and the Google brand exemplifies the power of an evolving population demanding access to content on multiple platforms.
With the amount of content available online these days from sites like Hulu and Netflix, do you foresee a shift away from the traditional cable and satellite platform to a more open, Internet-based approach?
I sure do. The paradigm shift has already occurred and the monetization has been proven by Hulu and Netflix. The question is not IF Internet-based television will be successful, but when and who will be successful…in this case, its quite clear: Google TV with Logitech Revue will conquer this. Sites like YouTube and Hulu have taken consumers away from their TVs and has kept them engaged with their PCs for longer periods of time, and now take that same engagement level and bring the content back to the TV….Its outright brilliant and so very exciting!
The world is shifting from a free content delivery approach to the current world of selectable content delivery on a fee basis. Apple, for example, has forever changed that very consumer mind-set and led us to the world of media content delivered for a nominal fee. Regardless, our current television structure with its umbrella contracts and restrictions has worn us all out. I for one am sick of limits. Google TV can empower our era to demand freedom and knowledge beyond the imagination of our status quo. This affords us the ability to cross reference the source of the data and to analyze this for ourselves as an unbiased worldview, as opposed to the existing conservative or liberal analysis.
Do you feel there is a large enough market for Google TV to be a success? Or will people see devices like Revue as just another box they don’t want to add in their living rooms?
The bottom line is that the Revue IS NOT just another box, rather it’s the companion box to have in order to make this all a reality! Through trial there will be proof, and through exposure there will be a buzz; this ‘box’ will become the most sought after item and we will all vie for a Revue box of our very own in due time. Google TV has the advantage of addressing a global market, and will become a worldwide craze and must have…its only a matter of time!
Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?
The greatest gift given to us humans is the ability to make others feel special. A smile, a word of encouragement, a gesture of appreciation, and/or helping hand knits our world and its citizens. I want to embrace these core values and connect with others from all walks of life. I think technology is the means to reach our goal of touching our world. My goal is to not to promote an agenda, but to promote the people….to make us feel informed, to feel valuable, and to let people know that our opinions and beliefs matter. This will continue to enable us all to embrace the power of connectivity beyond boundaries.
Having traveled so thoroughly and maintained incredible friendships with incredible people, I have a strong and powerful network. I know some pretty amazing people who have truly made a unique mark in this world (Philanthropists, sought after DJ’s, politicians, unstoppable entrepreneurs, community leaders, intellects, musical pioneers and sooo much more). I also know people on the rise and eager to make a difference in this world: good, solid, beautifully spirited people who I am lucky to have met. When you have these types of relationships as your foundation, your resources are limitless….and when you have a burning desire to meet and embrace as many new people as possible, from the manager of your corner store to a budding new artist, a curious bright child or a wise senior citizen, this power in numbers keeps on growing. Life is about connecting with others and that is how I would promote and spread awareness of the Revue and Google TV. The greatest part is, this product sees no age, sex, color, religion, race, creed or boundary…this is for EVERYONE! Not a single person would fail to benefit from and enjoy a phenomenon such as this.
I also luckily have a solid history with PR, advertising, event planning and marketing, ….you name it…drawing from those natural strengths of mine would be effortless and best of all, so so much fun! Did I mention FUN? My ideas are overflowing! I know how to have a good time and how to get the job done while doing so. The promotion would see no boundaries and the viral effect would be fabulous!
I see this as the chance to enable people. People are hungry to live, share and enhance their life experiences. I will promote these people through events and forums. The power is in the freedom of the people. If people can sense the opportunity of choice that Google TV with Logitech Revue offers them, they will naturally promote Google TV with Logitech Revue in return. There is power in connecting, and when the people can connect limitlessly, they will be powerful!
Bio:
Praneet Kailey is young, vivacious executive with with an exceptional record of achievement and over 10 years of experience in marketing, communications and journalism. She has graced roles with industry leaders such as Oracle, Genentech, and the Crimson Consulting Group. She has worked closely with notable marketing heads and has managed corporate communications and PR in addition to philanthropic efforts with education foundations for children worldwide.
Miss Kailey is adept at leading business development initiatives by channeling social media expertise, and has aided the formation of online community relationships to increase public awareness. She once held the title of Miss Northern California India and has thus hosted a wide array of large-scale community events in her past.
Praneet is in current pursuit of her Masters in Business Administration: Marketing, and is fond of traveling the world–In just this past year, she has spent significant time in Brazil, Russia, India, China, Indonesia and the United Kingdom, in addition to frequenting both California and New York City. Her passions include dance (everything from Hip-Hop to the Argentine Tango), Social media (of course!) and her all encompassing love of sports and pop culture.
You can follow Praneet @PKailey on Twitter or search for her on Facebook: Praneet Kailey.
Well there you have it, and again if you think she is the lady for the job, vote for her every day until August 20th! If you are a contestant and would like to be featured on our site, feel free to contact us!
Time for another installment of our Logitech “Host with the Most” contestant interviews. Today we’re featuring Bill Guyther, who is vying for the NY loft. This tech enthusiast has an extensive business and marketing background, so be sure to vote for him every day until August 20th if you truly feel is he the “Host with the Most”. Continue reading after the break for the full interview.
What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?
I am a gadget junkie and a HUGE fan of Google (gmail, Google Calendar, Android Phone, Blogger, YouTube, Buzz etc). I have been watching and researching Google TV for months and my anxiousness for its roll out has been extremely high. When I got the email (because I am on the email list) from Logitech about the contest, I just knew this contest was put together for me and I immediately signed on. With my background in marketing, networking, public speaking and event planning, there was no question about it. I was in!!
Do you have any previous experience with other Internet TV devices?
No, I don’t really know about other Internet TV devices, but I have upgraded my computer to have a video output and have run it to my own TV so I can watch online shows on my television as opposed to on my monitor in my computer chair. This is extremely nice but will not even compare to what the power of Google TV will bring to the table.
What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?
I think the most exciting thing about the Logitech Revue box with Google TV will be the all in one inclusion of your home PC and your television. No more sitting at your computer to check your fantasy football stats while the game is on, or to vote for a contestant on a reality show, or to look up that actor you just can’t place. You will now be able to do all of that and more right from the spot you are sitting at in front of your TV.
Will Google TV help bring about a change in the way TV and other media is distributed and viewed?
Without a doubt! I think Google has positioned themselves to be the HUB for all media. Although many of their rollouts seemed to have “FAILED”, in the long run, they will end up bringing all media formats to one central place. Google TV is just the beginning.
With the amount of content available online these days from sites like Hulu and Netflix, do you foresee a shift away from the traditional cable and satellite platform to a more open, Internet-based approach?
Yes, especially as more and more networks continue to provide episodes online. I mean, what is the sense in paying a monthly fee for cable or satellite, and a monthly fee for your Internet, if everything you want to watch is available online? In addition to that, I believe DVRs, especially subscription paid ones, will become obsolete. There is no need to record it if you can access it online whenever you feel like it.
Do you feel there is a large enough market for Google TV to be a success? Or will people see devices like Revue as just another box they don’t want to add in their living rooms?
Google TV will take off like wild fire. Remember how TiVo went from zero to hero? Well, they did it with a monthly subscription. With the Logitech Revue and Google TV, you will be able to get all of that without the monthly fee. When people realize that, a lot of monthly expenses will get cut and Google TV will come out as the reigning champion. At the very least, I see cable and satellite companies making serious adjustments in their pricing to keep a moderate customer base. This is revolutionary!
Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?
As a long time networker and marketer, I have a direct connection to THOUSANDS of people and an understanding of geometric growth–that 200 people know 200 people and so on and so on. I know, indirectly, we can reach MILLIONS of people before we ever touch social media online. With the inclusion of FaceBook, Twitter, YouTube, Linked In, and all the other social media sites out there to our NETWORK of who knows who, we will FLOOD the market with the Revue and Google TV in a very short period of time.
Bio:
I have a varying background, including owning small businesses, modeling and acting, sales, to advertising/marketing and event planning. If it needs to be promoted, I have or can promote it. I speak regularly in front of groups of people, ranging from ten people to thousands of people. I currently run a successful network marketing business with people in 14 states and, in my opinion, that’s more labor intensive than owning a business where I hire people because I am nobody’s boss, so I have to find a way to inspire people to do better and be better versus telling them what to do. All that with the addition of my “NEW GADGET” addiction, I was born to be the “Host with the Most”.
Well there you have it, and again if you think he is the man for the job,vote for him every day until August 20th! If you are a contestant and would like to be featured on our site, feel free to contact us!
Time for another installment of our Logitech “Host with the Most” contestant interviews. Today we’re featuring Adam Gibson, who is vying for the LA loft. An Android Developer by day, Adam is a tech enthusiast with a passion for Google TV who thinks he’s the man for the job. If you agree, be sure to head on over and vote for him! You can also follow Adam on his Twitter page. Continue reading after the break for the full interview.
What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?
A lot of people have jobs because they need to supplement their lifestyle, but not many people have jobs which actually mirror their lifestyle. It is so easy to say a job will be perfect for you when you haven’t gotten the job yet. This position was an instant attraction for me because I have already been doing it for various media and beverage companies with their Internet endeavors since 2004.
Do you have any previous experience with other Internet TV devices?
I have followed Sezmi since it was known as ‘Building B’, and am also a SlingBox, Hulu and Netflix user. These, along with the Netflix streaming discs for Wii and PS3, are just the beginning of what the future holds for a long love affair between Internet and Television.
What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?
Internet combined with Television is something the majority of Americans haven’t even begun to consider yet. With industry leaders like Google and Logitech, I feel some insane possibilities are on the horizon because these companies have the real know-how to reach across all platforms of Internet Television.
Will Google TV help bring about a change in the way TV and other media is distributed and viewed?
Absolutely. This is what I believe is the most exciting aspect of the Google TV and Logitech Revue movement. These companies understand efficiency and the segmented generations of its customers. Not everyone sees the Internet experience in the same way and I feel the Logitech Revue will bridge the gap for all variations of Internet TV users.
With the amount of content available online these days from sites like Hulu and Netflix, do you foresee a shift away from the traditional cable and satellite platform to a more open, Internet-based approach?
Yes, this shift is already happening. The more Silicon Valley approaches Television instead of Madison Avenue, Television overall will have a much higher set of standards, regardless of what size screen someone chooses to watch and because of the immense capabilities of the Logitech Revue.
Do you feel there is a large enough market for Google TV to be a success? Or will people see devices like Revue as just another box they don’t want to add in their living rooms?
The market is definitely large enough for Google TV to succeed, but it all depends on the brand ambassadors for Google TV and Logitech Revue doing their best when explaining what the product does. Flashy marketing campaigns have sunk many products, but the way this revolution is going, the Logitech-Google partnership will have an opportunity at 60 million customers as quickly as this Fall to renew their faith in Television with the Logitech Revue.
Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?
I would get RevueIsComing.com tattooed on my forehead. Just kidding, but I’d do everything possible to generate real awareness in all corners of the country using social media in ways people have never encountered before. Also, I will fulfill the hosting duties with some true Southern Hospitality that I’m sure Los Angeles has never encountered before when it comes to parties and technology. The Internet TV outlook will never have imagined such good Revues.
Bio:
Over the years, the parties have gotten bigger and bigger, but the theme is the same: glorious irresponsibility for the night. However, I like to get right back to work the next morning because I hate to be “He who Tweets the Already-Been-Read-News”. I am a Native Floridian who went to the nation’s number one party school (West Virginia U.) for 10 years. I’m also an Android Developer, Early MT Adopter, and will Google for food.
Well there you have it, and again if you think Adam is truly the “Host with the Most” be sure to vote for him every day until August 20th! If you are a contestant and would like to be featured on our site, feel free to contact us!
There isn’t a whole lot of news to be had these past few days, so we’re going to bring you another installment of our Logitech “Host with the Most” contestant interviews a little early. Up next is Allison Boring who is vying for the SF loft, and we assure you she is by no means boring. In addition to writing and taking photos for ANDMagazine.com, she is an established musician and a current member of the NorCal based band The Naked Owls. You can follow Allison on her Twitter page, and if you think she has what it takes to be Logitech’s “Host with the Most” be sure to vote for her! Continue after the break for the full interview.
What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?
I love technology and have helped to create/engineer technology and consumer products most of my career in Silicon Valley from the Dot Com boom onward. I have always used Logitech products of all kinds so a contest where I get to promote technology I can stand behind and have fun doing it seemed like a perfect match for me!
Do you have any previous experience with other Internet TV devices?
Yes. Even as far back the first TV cards that you installed into your computer for viewing TV on your PC.
What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?
The Logitech Revue / Google TV GUI will remove frustration users have in trying to find their favorite shows and navigating the pages upon pages of cable/satellite channel guides. Easy search options from your Android mobile combined with the features of the Harmony remote are great, although being a Palm Pre user myself I would like to see the application ported to the WebOS. Most people watch TV and still have their mobile next to them on the couch, so users would welcome not having to grab an additional device to change the channel when they can use their phone. Having been a first gen Harmony remote user I remember the relief I felt in being able to control everything from one device, so much so that I bought one for my Dad for Christmas that year!
Will Google TV help bring about a change in the way TV and other media is distributed and viewed?
Yes, Google always has a good feel for a clean, easy to use and simple UI, which is the way people like it. Users will breathe a sigh of relief being able to bypass the satellite and cable guides, paging in an seemingly endless fashion trying to find what they are looking for. Google is great at setting a high benchmark that others strive to attain, and I am sure we will see some major revisions in other companies’ products due to the launch of Google TV.
With the amount of content available online these days from sites like Hulu and Netflix, do you foresee a shift away from the traditional cable and satellite platform to a more open, Internet-based approach?
I definitely feel like that is where we are headed. From the moment I started using my instant Netflix streaming disc for my PS3 I had a definite decline in watching satellite programming. The main issue of why I haven’t gone to this strictly and ditched my satellite is the quality of the content, both from the standpoint of encoding quality of the video and the titles that are available via streaming /internet. Once Hulu and Netflix solve these two issues and start getting major programming like Showtime and HBO available as soon as it is released (shows like Californication and TrueBlood) then I will definitely ditch my satellite subscription.
Do you feel there is a large enough market for Google TV to be a success? Or will people see devices like Revue as just another box they don’t want to add in their living rooms?
I feel like it is a device that unifies all other devices, much like the Harmony remote. Users who used to sit on the couch with their laptop and watch YouTube videos while also watching TV can have everything at their fingertips and that is very attractive. Ditch the laptop, and bring it to the big screen where it should be to truly experience the video in full surround sound and HD.
Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?
I plan on using all mediums:
-Appear on G4TV Attack of the Show, and any other TV show to talk about the product and the contest
-Web blog with HD video of daily events
-Photo blog of daily events – I am a photographer and keeping a photo blog would be fun
-Twitter and Facebook daily updates
-Drive a Logitech Revue vehicle if one is provided on my commute to and from the city
-I will produce a series of YouTube videos on all of the features of the product: One set for non-tech folks giving overviews of features and one for geeks like myself going through all of the detailed specifics
-For the parties that I’ll host I plan to not only bring in tons of people in from all over Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and all over the country to check out the products, but have some excellent bands come and play the events, too! Parties of legend with epic tales of technology and Rock and Roll.
Bio:
A St. Louis, MO native and West Coast transplant, Allison’s love of technology began with her first gaming console as a child, PONG! and grew for all things tech while helping to create exciting products during the Dot Com boom to the present. Allison is an avid technology geek with several Internet/technology startups under her belt and has helped to deliver more than 30 award-winning Consumer and Enterprise software and hardware products while working at Handspring, Palm and Symantec Corporation.
Allison writes a culture column ‘Not So Boring‘ and does photography for ANDMagazine.com. As a vocalist, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Allison previously could be seen/heard playing the Sunset / Los Angeles, CA club scene with her band Veracity, and now has formed a new NorCal based rock group called The Naked Owls.
You can vote for Allison to become the “Host with the Most” and follow Allison on her on Twitter page. If you are a contestant and would like to be featured on our site, feel free to contact us!
Happy August, everyone! Today we have another installment of our series of interviews with Logitech “Host with the Most” contestants. We are asking each hopeful individual a series of questions relating to Google TV (and Internet TV in general), and what they will do to promote the Revue if selected. If you like what you read, be sure to vote every day until August 20th to ensure your favorite candidates make it to the next round! Today, vying for the LA loft is Austin Craig, broadcast journalist and Google junkie whose resume includes stints at MSNBC.com and FamilyLink.com. You can follow Austin on his Twitter page, and if you think he has what it takes be sure to vote for him as often as you can! Check out the full interview after the break.
What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?
I’m wild about gadgets and social media. Google TV is a huge step toward an entertainment center that streamlines how people want to consume media. To me, tuning in on regular TV seems like using a rotary phone. People, we live in the year 2010! The Future is now! Plus, Logitech makes great peripherals, and they’re sweetening the deal with the apartment and party budget. It’s a dream job that I’m perfect for!
Do you have any previous experience with other Internet TV devices?
A friend and I built a media PC for my entertainment center a few years ago. It worked, was functional, but there was so much scrounging for parts and hacking. It was too much work for something that should be an all-in-one setup.
What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?
Internet TV is interactive TV. It’s responsive TV. It’s not channel roulette, where if you don’t like what’s on, you shoot again. By joining TV with the Web, you decide what you want to see, and TV obeys. My impression of Google has always been that they strive to give you what you want. They put you in control. Other companies, even other companies that have tried to bring streaming media into the living room, tend to dictate how they think you should experience media (cough*Apple*cough). Logitech consistently makes robust peripherals that connect and work. Plain and simple. It’s a solid 1-2 punch, smooth service, great hardware.
Will Google TV help bring about a change in the way TV and other media is distributed and viewed?
Absolutely. Not only will it widen the avenue for distribution that has already made inroads (Netflix), it’ll finally bring to the living room what we all do on the computer; “Hey, check this out, you GOTTA see this!” “Share” isn’t just a button on Facebook, it’s what we used to do with books, magazines, and even old fashioned TV. That’s what water cooler talk is all about, what was on last night. Our media is best when it’s a shared experience, and Google TV will make that happen more and better.
With the amount of content available online these days from sites like Hulu and Netflix, do you foresee a shift away from the traditional cable and satellite platform to a more open, Internet-based approach?
If the traditional cable and satellite platforms don’t adapt, then yes. Adapt and grow, or die. Those are the options. If they can adapt, all the better. There will be more competition, and those old dinosaurs control a lot of the media content people want. It’d be great to see them stay relevant rather than try to fight the tide like the record companies did for so long.
Do you feel there is a large enough market for Google TV to be a success? Or will people see devices like Revue as just another box they don’t want to add in their living rooms?
There is certainly a market. Time shifted TV viewing and web video viewing consistently goes way up, every year. It just needs to be easier to do in the living room, and I think Logitech and Google can do that.
Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?
Use it to its fullest. I attended VidCon 2010 a few weeks ago. It was the first annual gathering of the biggest YouTube stars and fans, and was SO fun. I’d love to invite over some of the LA YouTube stars I met there to check out Revue with Google TV. We’d have a blast, and you can bet they’d share it on their channels with millions of subscribers. That’s one way. I’ve got lots more.
Bio:
I have a degree in broadcast journalism, but really tried to gear my education toward new and emerging (web) media. I’ve done TV and radio, but most of my career has been on the web. I worked with some amazing people at MSNBC.com, then at FamilyLink.com, makers of the We’re Related application on facebook with 60 million users. Lately, I’ve been the face of the Orabrush campaign on YouTube. We took our product from zero brand identity (and sales) to exposure and demand worldwide (and great sales).
I’ve always been an early adopter. I got the G1 with Android the day before it was officially released, and picked up the EVO 4G as soon as I could. I love Google services, and have used Logitech peripherals for years.
This competition is an amazing opportunity for anybody, but what gets me so excited for Logitech Lofts is how absolutely perfect I am for it! It’s like my whole career has been training me for exactly this!
And I love L.A. I’ve been talking/thinking about moving there for months.
There you have it, and again if you think Austin has what it takes head on over and vote for him! If you are a contestant and would like to be featured on our site, feel free to contact us!
Welcome to the first installment of our series of interviews with Logitech “Host with the Most” contestants. We will be asking each hopeful individual a series of questions relating to Google TV (and Internet TV in general), and what they will do to promote the Revue if selected. If you like what you read, be sure to vote every day until August 20th to ensure your favorite candidates make it to the next round! Our first interviewee is Rod Kirby, founder and editor-in-chief of The Success Center blog-a-zine and vying for the New York loft. You can follow Rod on his Twitter page, and be sure to vote for him if you feel he truly is the “Host with the Most.” You can find the full interview after the break.
What initially attracted you to the “Host with the Most” contest?
It’s a real opportunity for me to: A. get some exposure, B. get my hands on a Logitech Revue device (for free!), and C. be a “brand champion” for a company whose products I genuinely love to use!
Do you have any previous experience with other Internet TV devices?
Yes, I’ve tried Apple TV and seen Microsoft’s Web TV (remember that?) and they suck . . . horribly. (Sorry Steve J. and Steve B.!)
What excites you about Internet TV, and what do you think Google TV and Logitech Revue will bring to the table over other platforms?
In a way, the Internet TV revolution started with Youtube and Web 2.0, now we (consumers) want a better user experience (watch what you want on your HDTV!) and that’s a part of what Google TV will offer. Having Logitech as a hardware partner is just the icing on the cake. They make PC peripherals that are durable, of high quality, and “just feel right” in your hand. So, in short, Logitech Revue + Google TV = Pure Awesomesauce.
Will Google TV help bring about a change in the way TV and other media is distributed and viewed?
I think, as the platform matures, the potential is there to change the landscape of television forever. Think about it: I turn on the TV and out of 200+ channels I can’t find what I want to watch and end up turning it off and getting on Youtube. Why not just search for what I want and watch it WHEN I WANT? This is where Google TV comes into play. Not only through search, but by organizing my favorite shows, clips, and sites (Google TV includes a full web browser thanks to Chrome) I can create a media hub that truly identifies with me.
With the amount of content available online these days from sites like Hulu and Netflix, do you foresee a shift away from the traditional cable and satellite platform to a more open, Internet-based approach?
To be honest, not yet. Even though iPhones and Droids rule the world – people still use their landlines, pay phones, and cell phones to chat with each other. Same with traditional cable and satellite providers, they still offer better advertising return on investment and consumer reach. However, internet-based TV has a fighting chance as it matures into other uses, services, apps, and consumer popularity.
Do you feel there is a large enough market for Google TV to be a success? Or will people see devices like Revue as just another box they don’t want to add in their living rooms?
I think Logitech’s Revue and Google TV are kind of like the iPad. Once they see what it can do people are going to want it but they may not know all the reasons why they need it. It’ll be up to Google and developers to create apps that will solve everyday media problems. The innovation will create the market Google needs for GTV to be a success.
Finally, if you are selected, how will you help Logitech promote the Revue and spread awareness of Google TV?
I had the idea of starting some kind of web-TV show. One where I’ll review tech products, do interviews, etc. I have a unique ability to connect with people, especially those in the social media community. So, I’m confident that they’ll respond with their support of Logitech’s Revue and Google TV.
If all else fails, I’ll stand outside with a sign that reads, “Will Work for You if You Check Out My Revue!”
When not writing bios in the third person, Rod can be found sharing the latest business and technology news on Twitter – @rodkirby. Please vote for him as he attempts to become Logitech’s “Host with the Most,” represent the tech community in NYC, and rule Disney Land with an iron fist.
If you are a contestant and would like to be featured on our site, feel free to contact us!
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