 | September 1, 2000 |
Pod race
PREVIEW: Invasion of the modular Internet appliances
We've all heard about the Internet appliance boom, but we're mostly still waiting for compelling devices. Other than MP3 players, appliances so far have largely missed the mark due to poor designs, high prices, and/or burdensome Internet-service contracts.
But vendors with compelling ideas are on the horizon. One such company, RocketPod, plans stackable modular appliances for music, video, photography, and other applications.
RocketPod is taking a multipronged approach. First, the company has developed the cross-platform RocketPod operating system (RPOS) and the RocketPod Graphical User Interface (RPGUI), both of which will be licensed to third parties. In addition, the company will sell its own line of iAppliances, dubbed Pods, which will employ RPOS and RPGUI.
The vision centers on seamless integration of each new Pod into the consumer's personal network. The RocketPod stack starts with the PC-connected LaunchPod, which doubles as a USB hub. Stacked devices interconnect via "Spine" connectors or, optionally, via PodLink wireless technology. Portable devices fit into dedicated docks in the Pod stack.
The connected Pods can update one another with new information, such as additions to music playlists or contact information. The Pods each share select parts of the RPOS and, when activated, connect automatically to RocketPod's site for free software updates.
The LaunchPod and MP3Pod should debut in Q4, with other Pods following next year. Since the RPOS can sit atop other operating systems—Windows, Linux, even the Palm OS—other Internet appliances could feasibly join a RocketPod network via software additions.
While the concept sounds great, early success will depend on the comparative virtues of each Pod. According to David Roth, CEO of Next Planet, RocketPod's parent company, the MP3Pod is significantly smaller than most current MP3 players, has a more advanced graphical interface, and boasts a larger display. At $299, it should be, if not more compelling than other players, at least good competition.
In its favor, RocketPod has avoided the perils of mandatory subscription contracts. For example, users will be able to download music from their PCs or the Internet. The RocketPod site will also hawk digital content, via both "push" and "pull" methods.
Buyers will be able to settle for a single Pod, of course. But RocketPod hopes the whole experience will prove so compelling that users will embrace the entire gamut.
—Maury Wright
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