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A PLAY ON DATA

by Tom Cantrell

Start ý Oops ý Once More, With Feeling ý Optical Options ý Have It Your, and Our, Way ý Lesson Learned ý Sources and PDF

LESSON LEARNED

So, should I go on record saying DataPlay is going to take over the world? No thanks; I learned my lesson. At the same time, I wouldnýt go with those who say the optical story is over and any would-be innovator is doomed.

Will DataPlay replace the racks of CDs down at the music shop? Not any time soon. Will it obsolete everything that fits in the zillions of 5.25'' bays in the world's PCs? Nope.

Nevertheless, I think there are some critical applications where DataPlay makes a lot of sense. The compelling issue is simpleýsize.

Look at portable CD players. Manufacturers have done an outstanding job shrinking the players, but the partyýs over. The footprint isnýt ever going to get smaller than the foot, and the 5'' or so required by CD, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD et-al is just too big.

If DataPlay can establish a beachhead in applications like PDAs, hand-held games, sub-laptop PCs, super cell phones, digital cameras, and the like, that would provide a foundation for wider acceptance. After folks get used to enjoying the small size, easy handling, light weight, and long battery life in those apps, there would be a basis for DataPlay to proliferate into traditional audio/video and PC markets.

Also, the whole pay-per-play aspect of ContentKey may well come into fashion and represent a compelling advantage for DataPlay over traditional media.

So, whatýs my prediction? I predict that in five years Iýll know whatýs going to happen five years from now. You can count on it.

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