I’ll admit I’m like the people Guy Kawasaki recently talked with I don’t spend a lot of time watching TV. I watch the occasional Mythbusters, American Chopper and animal planet nature documentary, and a few TV show I run some blogs for, so we’re talking about less than 5 hours a week. Since I spend a majority of my time in front of a monitor I’m pretty comfortable watching video there, especially if it happens to be search engine related news.
Google Current
Google Current used to be, EMPHASIS ON USED TO BE, my favorite service. The original format they had when they launched was perfect, for example look at Hollywood Dream (about 3 minutes). However they somewhat recently updated and went to a slightly longer intro, why we need a 30 second intro on a 3 minute video is ridiculous compare this video to the last one. However last week they totally and completely F*cked it up (and I never use the f-word). Look at this crap, this crap and yet more crap. I’m about ready to do my impersonation of Charlton Heston on the beach “YOU MANIACS! YOU BLEW IT UP!! DAMN YOU!“. I mean we went from meaningful, insighful, and eductional commentary on subjects like LonelyGirl15 to crappy stupid lists scrolling across the screen! If anybody knows where I can send my complaint that someone involved in this project will actually read it please let me know.
Yahoo Current
Ok my first thought when I discovered this was YAY Kinga Phillips formerly of Google Current didn’t get fired after all. However after poking around the Current Buzz page I was left wondering did they use a designer they found on MySpace? The page is confusing at best. I’m not sure where to go and what to do in I’m having too many “Don’t make me think” choices. On top of that why is the RSS button burried down in the right hand corner and not featured someplace a bit more prominent? However once we get to more unneccesarily confusingly complicated page with the actual video the content is entertaining.
So what’s the takeway, we’re still in the very early stages of this game and there’s lots of opportunity and room for improvement. It’s not too late MSN or ASK to throw their hat into the ring and try and make a play. It’s also not to late to fix what’s broken. These short 3 minute videos are perfect for video IPods or other portable devices. I think what we really need is Jason Calacanis to come in make move set a good example for people to follow.
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You used to rave about Google current in past posts, but I seriously couldn’t understand why. It is a compelte mess.
From what I hear MSN is actually working on a good video delivery product…should work with its Ipod competitive product as well.
Psst, if you listen to one lame 30 second intro in the next one just drag the little pull thingy past the intro to the start. Could someone make some sort of TIVO widget.
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