Today Apple, Inc. announces the iPad 3, set to hit stores next Friday. The new tablet will have 4G LTE capability, a retina display, and a quad-core processor, making it fast enough for seamless video and music streaming.
With all of the technological capability that is being packed into these highly mobile and evermore capable tablets, the delivery channel that is cable companies is becoming marginalized. If I can plug my tablet (iPad) into my TV and stream Netflix through it, Hulu through it, ESPN Now, HBO Go, and similar applications, including content provided by networks such as ABC, NBC, and CBS, then what use do I have for a cable company?
News: Streamable, and in clip-form based on individual stories
Movies: Streamable, thank you Netflix
TV Shows: Streamable, thank you Hulu
Sports: Streamable, thank you ESPN
With the proliferation of 4G LTE adoption and the expanding base of Wi-Fi hotspots all over metropolitan areas, consumers are going to have a video content delivery system that works for them wherever they are. Consumers are not going to feel the obligation, then, to shell out for the cable company every month when it doesn't provide any added value to them; just an opportunity to view commercials.
It will be an interesting evloution to watch unfold, but my feeling is that the best days of the cable industry are behind it.
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