Forget the big screen. Online video gained a lot of momentum last year and it shows no signs of slowing down in 2014. People want to watch what they want, when they want and on the device of their choice. The evolution of YouTube and video technology is reaching exciting new heights. Below are a few developments that I predict will change how we watch video in 2014 and beyond.
Seamless Mobile to Home Theatre Technology
We love watching videos on our mobile phones, but the home theatre isn't going anywhere anytime soon. This year I've seen the makings of some very interesting innovations that help seamlessly bring the mobile viewing experience into the home theatre when you get home. Sling Media's SlingPlayer, which has been around for a little while but stands to gain popularity this year, is a step in the right direction. It essentially allows you to watch or control your satellite TV from anywhere in the world -- an essential for any busy executive or jet setter.
Endless Possibilities for Mobile Recording
Viral video material can pop up at any time, and there are now a ton of apps on the market that can make mobile recording that much easier and higher quality. There are a few apps in particular like Camera MX, that allow you to combine effects and photo frames to get more creative with your camera. You can present them in animated photo slideshows and combine them with music to make cool videos.
4K Recording Options
YouTube's recent announcement of 4K video streaming means video resolution can now be up to four times higher than regular HD. This introduces an entirely new level of viewing quality for video. Is perfect integration quite a ways off? Most definitely. Are the majority of us still excited about it as it evolves throughout the year? Without a doubt.
3D Printers and The 'Democratization' of Manufacturing
YouTube allowed us to create our own videos and distribute them to global audiences. Now with 3D printers, YouTube stars will be able to expand their personal brands into low-cost custom merchandise. This is of course just a surface example. I can't wait to see what will come from what this innovation has to offer.
Video Interactivity
One very interesting trend to watch for is the constant innovation of how and when we interact with our favourite videos. As online video formats continue to integrate right into social media platforms, and as technology allows us to shop and share more easily with the videos themselves, there are a lot of exciting possibilities for consumers and marketers alike.
I couldn't possibly cover everything, but I think it's pretty clear that "mobile" technology is looking to step outside the pocket and move on to something a little bit more 'out-in-the-open' for 2014.
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