The not too distant future of websites and the internet on television
The internet will challenge the concept of television as we know it. The large screen thing in our lounges now has wireless, and is offering various digital channels broadcast via the internet. Things are changing fast. There are multiple trends at play at the moment. TV screen sizes are getting bigger but their footprint is shrinking. The physicalness is reducing and may disappear all together. Think screen on demand. Ultimately, if this trend continues, we will see screens disappear all together.
TV is finding its way into any web enabled device. These devices are at all sizes that are often used for all sorts of other purposes. The internet and web interface is blurring what is and isn't television. TV is on the internet and the internet is on TV! Content is being delivered in multiple formats at once i.e transmedia. Now that is a lot of change.
What I believe will happen is that standard broadcast television will cease to exist in its current form. Social platforms such as You Tube, Facebook, etc will become the dominant delivery platform for television. They have been the most successful at acquiring the attention of users so it makes sense that they are well placed to deliver digital video content using their brand leverage.
This will mean you will watch the You Tube channel or Facebook channel on your TV. These guys will have a custom interface for each channel meaning developers will design interfaces within the parameters of the appropriate channel for clients. The channels will control the standards for interface design because they have more experience in this area, have customer leverage, and the internet allows them to do so.
The new broadcast channels will have traditional and integrated social content that is relevant to a large non touch screen device. So expect movies, tv shows but with social connectivity. The key thing to remember is that the device is often shared in a common viewing area so don't expect massive consumer uptake on anything that is about one on one social activity on your television yet but it is possible and will be used.
Ultimately, this will also mean that content will be served directly to consumers rather than delayed and restricted depending on your location. It is likely that the subscription model will dominate in these market conditions. Your subscription and the web based platform will allow you to turn most web based devices into your television at any time and place. This will create more flexibility for consumers but will not completely replace the large screen concept which is still important as a shared entertainment experience object. Expect products to work together. So mobile content working in conjunction with large screen content allowing personalised exploration and interaction.
I know much of this is nothing new, its out there and already happening. The most dramatic changes, as we have seen with mobile devices, is the big players proliferation into TV. So expect to see an Apple TV and a Google TV. The reason being while televisions into the future will enable multiple channels from all platforms and providers, a branded television can enable a big internet brand to block out the other providers or put their brand at the forefront of the options. Of course it makes sense therefore that Apple makes a move here first given their strategy of control and conquer. What does all this mean for you? More choice, more flexibility and you will likely be paying your bills to a large international software, hardware and content corporation who want more of your time and money.