I'd like to be the first to start a rumor about an Akimbo hiring freeze. Take it for what it's worth.
On an unrelated (?) note, the Apple announcement could mean big things for Akimbo - good or bad, it's too early to tell. I think that, like Ingenio, they may find themselves well-served by having a major competitor in their space. Apple has the PR mojo and marketing budget to build acceptance of TV over the internet, and that could make Akimbo's marketers' lives easier. Provided that Akimbo can get some worthwhile content to pipe into its box, it might actually be able to provide a good alternative to the evil that is iTunes and owning content. Because what consumer really wants to own the movie? They'd rather just watch it. (Unless it's Caddyshack, in which case, how could you not own it?)
The other development that could be great for Akimbo is Wi-Fi in cities. If people can get Akimbo service over a free wi-fi connection, or an inexpensive one, cable might soon become obsolete just like the land-based telephone is fast becoming obsolete. Why would a consumer pay Comcast or Adelphia $60+ a month, plus a ton in extra charges (extra TV's, DVR rentals, etc.) when they could use Akimbo for $10ish a month, and pay nothing for the connection? Obviously this would hurt the overall revenue picture in the industry, which is something Akimbo needs to answer if it's ever going to find some solid content partners.
There are many, many challenges in this - as there are with any major new consumer technology. But for the first time in a while it seems like Akimbo has a new catalyst in its marketplace. Who knows, maybe they'll get crazy and do a deal with YouTube, or sell themselves to Rupert Murdoch. Is he still on a buying spree, or was mySpace the end of it?
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