Let 1000 Streams Bloom

Every day, lately, it seems that we are bombarded with more and more ways to connect our lives, be it business or social, to the Internet at large. A huge variety of technologies from Blackberries to Bluetooth to Wi-Fi to are pressing us to form new relationships not only with the media and content delivered but also with the appliances that serve those needs.

Seeing these connections made is quite fascinating. It doesn't require a degree from NASA to see how much the ability to connect drives people to actually engage. I've encountered people using technology that I never thought I would, and best of all, they don't necessarily understand how it works in any way shape or form, however, they can extract the value in a heartbeat.

Yesterday, I got wind of a new service from Real Networks and Starz!. It is a new video download service that allows people to essentially have movies-on -demand (assuming the current lot of 100 movies merits your $12.95.

I'm quite interested in this use of technology but probably not for the obvious reason. The most interesting aspect of this service is a the new comfort level and cultural acceptance of "partially-owned" assets. Mention the term Digital Rights Management to your Average Joe, and they'll make a face at you. Compare it to how they "rent" their seats in the movie theatre's for 2 hour intervals for the right to imbide the media, and lights go off.

Just Think. There's only more to come.