A Discussion of TV at the 2016 Code Con

From May 31 – June 2 this week, in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, the third annual Code Conference occurred. At this invitation-only series, leading experts discuss technological advances, and look ahead to the future.

This year’s event featured Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, as well as many others.

As has been the case in the previous two Code Conferences, TV was a big topic.

A Bold Prediction

During a conversation with celebrity news website TMZ founder Harvey Levin, the executive offered some intriguing thoughts on the future of television.

“I’m trying to look at it as content,” said Levin. “You’re only going to the box for information and entertainment.”

“I believe in 10 years there will be no TV and no Internet,” Levin added. “[A] blend of [the] two will be [called] ‘Intervision’.”

Media attendees were a bit skeptical.

So @HarveyLevinTMZ tried to brand convergence of Internet and TV as "Intervision," which is not going to happen. #codecon

— Owen Thomas (@owenthomas) June 1, 2016

2016 Internet Trends Report

Venture capitalist Mary Meeker once again released her lauded Internet trends report, which included the evolving path of television, as well as voice search and automobile computing.

The type of video preferred by viewers today is described as “real-live,” which allows audiences to tune-in as something is being broadcast, or watch later “on [their] own terms.” Previously, one could only tune-in or “miss-out.”

Facebook Live Video is referred to as a “new paradigm for live broadcasting.” Specifically, the impact of the recent viral hit “Chewbacca mom” video is analyzed; Kohl’s was mentioned twice in the 154 million+ viewed video, and it soon became the leading app in the iOS store.

Meeker also covers how live streaming is making live sports even more social. Various apps allow fans to receive notifications, engage with other sports enthusiasts, and check out scoreboards. 2016 has been a breakthrough year, in this regard.

Code Con was greatly praised this year, next year’s will likely be even more anticipated.
Author: Brian Cameron

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