‎Veveo Pioneers "Siri on Steroids" Voice-Based Video Search

Veveo, a provider of search solutions for connected devices, has debuted a new voice and natural language-based, "conversational interface" technology for video search which is available for trial currently and for release in Q1 '13 in its Reveal 3.0 product.

The new voice capability is targeted to pay-TV operators, connected device manufacturers and set-top box providers eager to give users more flexibility in how they navigate the ever-increasing array of video choices.

 Sam Vasisht, Veveo's CMO, discussed three key ingredients to making conversational interfaces effective: disambiguation, statefulness and personalization. Disambiguation means being able to identify a user's intent (e.g. distinguishing "Cruise" from "Cruz") or to ascribe the correct meaning to a word (e.g. "Eagles" as football team vs. as a rock band). Statefulness means either maintaining the context of the user's search or adapting quickly to a new one (e.g. from movies to sports). Personalization means retaining knowledge of a user's prior searches in order to inform subsequent ones.

Looks like Siri just got yet another strong competitor and Apple has a lot to think about. Agree?

 

Apple TV Is 'Imminent'

Apple's entry into the TV market is "imminent," says Jefferies analyst James Kisner. Kisner talks about Apple TV in a note about ARRIS, a cable tech company.
"... at least one major N. American MSO is working to estimate how much additional capacity may be needed for a new Apple device on their broadband data network..." says Kisner.

What's interesting about this wording is that it suggests Apple is going to be doing something over broadband, as opposed to normal cable. We've been hearing about an Apple television for a long time now. The big problem for Apple seems to be figuring out how to get cable companies and content companies on board. This isn't like launching the iPad, where Apple just makes a tablet and then developers build apps.

Content makers have restrictions in their deals with cable companies on their content, which could limit what Apple would like to do. Apple has to negotiate with both groups simultaneously to crack the TV market.

And, even when Apple figures that out, the TV market is not like the smartphone market. People aren't going to buy a new TV every year, or every other year. So, anyone looking at Apple attacking a huge new market, should temper expectations.

Source: http://goo.gl/D8HCm

Like this if you think Apple will 'crack' the TV market, and let us know in the comments the why of your decision.