IFA 2022: The Arc of Entertainment Technology Innovation Should Bend Toward an Open Future

SILVER SPRING, Md. - Sept. 2, 2022 - PRLog -- IFA 2022 -- New technology innovations, shifting consumer expectations and disruptive global developments have radically — and rapidly — altered how digital entertainment is created, delivered and consumed. The regularity and intensity with which market forces alter the entertainment technology landscape often creates industry confusion. As a result, ecosystem participants struggle to catch up.

A closer look, however, reveals a consistent thread that ties the trajectory of these developments together. Most, if not all, of the disruptive developments that transform the industry initially result in more "open" environments for both consumers and new industry innovators.

By breaking down incumbent silos — as we witnessed through the "cord-cutter revolution" — more opportunities are created for consumers to access the experiences they desire regardless of their source. The same dynamic reduces barriers to entry for new products (such as connected TVs) and services (like over-the-top content providers). These disruptions, in effect, create new markets.

Here, however, is where things get interesting.

Markets inevitably mature, and in today's digital economy, the maturation process happens very quickly. This can trigger a consolidation process that leads to new silos, recreating the rigid "walled gardens" that limit competition while reducing consumer choice and control. Today, we are seeing the pendulum swing in this consolidated direction. Big Tech platform providers are establishing closed proprietary platforms that manage and monetize the user experience by controlling the relationship between consumers and content.

The implications for the entire entertainment ecosystem are significant.

[Editor's Note: To read the full article from Jon Kirchner from Xperi visit https://bit.ly/Kirchner_InnovationArc]