The more 'things' stay the same

http://deloi.tt/1DF7BcD

The key (and perhaps most encouraging) takeaways from our perspective -- first, that a lot of the hype about how the 'Internet of Things,' or connected 'smart' devices, is going to to revolutionise the way the average consumer goes about their business may be just that. As long as it's associated with $99 lightbulbs (http://bit.ly/1BXXPhv), the IoT will remain more aspiration than reality. As Deloitte points out however, it may be a different story for enterprises, which have bigger pocketbooks and are already well-established users of smart gadgets. And the data some of those devices generate will open new marketing and content possibilities.

Also nice to hear that e-readers are a long way from displacing physical books completely, even among the younger crowd. Many are reportedly still attached to print books because they appreciate their smell and the sight of full bookshelves. We couldn't agree more -- is there anything quite like a leisurely browse in a crammed bookshop on a rainy day? Which is why we were disheartened by the news of the demise of yet another bookstore chain in our hometown (http://bit.ly/1C5CmDm). Show the love by splashing out on some real page-turners today, folks!

Finally, Deloitte's less than sold on the financial prospects for short-form (under 20 minutes) video, hailed by many as the future of television. It seems it's easy enough for short-form video to get eyeballs, but not repeat viewings or commitment -- which should be far more important for content creators. For all the talk about shorter attention spans, audiences will still make time for a longer story -- as long as it's engaging, and well-told.