Darrell Norton's Blog [MVP]

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Even good detergent can't get the SPOT out

Well, it looks like my Tech Predictions for 2004 are already starting to come true!

ZDNet reporter David Coursey doesn't think too highly of Microsoft's SPOT. I applaud Microsoft's efforts at something totally new and unprecedented, but it is just not ready yet. With as much focus as Microsoft usually puts on developers, developers, developers, where are the tools? Why is nobody building for it?

Published Jan 12 2004, 07:52 PM by darrell

Comments

Jim said:

Even if they executed flawlessly I don't see the need for something like SPOT

# January 13, 2004 3:43 AM

Carl said:

I disagree, if executed flawlessly they would have allowed 3rd party developers to feed content through the system. As it is, it's a closed system with Microsoft content only.

I do think it has promise. Being able to get sports scores on your watch for example, updates that are there whenever you want --- in your car, in a restaurant, whatever. Sports fans can appreciate stuff like that.

But I don't think its going to go over well... I do like that Microsoft gave it a shot, maybe when it all pans out... something good will come out of it.

# January 13, 2004 10:14 AM

Paul Laudeman said:

I don't agree at all, Carl - the value of the device is limited by the size and amount of information that it can display--and how easily it can do so.

Have you seen the prices for these SPOT enabled watches? They are sky high! Sure, they'll come down over time, but also consider the subscription fees -- wow, I just don't think they're worth it for the simple text information that you can get just as easily and in a richer way on a web enabled cell phone or PDA.

# January 13, 2004 11:48 PM

Darrell said:

Indeed the device has limited "screen space."

And right now there is no compelling app for it. The Blackberry has email, cell phones have color games and voice calls, and PDAs have schedule/contact-type stuff.

# January 14, 2004 12:39 AM

Carl said:

I never said the price was right, I simply said that I thought the idea had promise.

How much screen space do you need to get sports scores over your watch?

STL 3
NY 2
4th Inning

How about local weather? Doesn't require much.

Seems to me that your focusing entirely on price, I never said I agreed with the price.

I just thought the idea was a neat one, and in the future something good could come out of it.

# January 14, 2004 1:54 AM

Darrell said:

Sports scores, especially for those long Sunday services! :) That could be the killer app for SPOT.

IMO the weather is an OK idea. The time when I can actually change what I'm going to wear or take an umbrella with me are at home, when I can turn on the Weather channel and get the same weather. Otherwise I will get an update on the weather *as I am experiencing it.* Not so helpful.

Some over on weblogs.asp.net are talking about Outlook Calendar. Isn't that what your PDA is for? Or if you are taking your laptop to the meeting anyway just use Outlook disconnected.

# January 14, 2004 2:10 AM