You may be familiar with services such as Netflix and Hulu. They offer online and streaming-based video content. This means they allow users to stream video content directly to their television sets from their online catalog. However, Apple and Google have found ways to integrate such services into either the Apple TV or Google TV. They both offer not just a single service, but a digital content network of services. They also offer more than just TV or movie content to run from their service. These two tech giants saw the ripe opportunity to conglomerate various streaming networks. Let’s discuss each of these products as standalone devices and later we will compare them.

Apple TV

The Apple TV is a set-top box that acts as a digital media receiver and connects to your TV set via an HDMI connection. It focuses on bringing streaming or synced iTunes content to your living room. It will allow you to stream or sync content from your PC or Mac with iTunes, as pointed out by Apple. You can also stream content from iOS devices with AirPlay. You can even purchase content directly from the Apple TV box when connecting to iTunes. The earlier models have a hard drive, so you can download full shows onto the device, while the latter ones do not and are designed for streaming.

According to the Apple TV product page, “Apple TV gives you access to everything you want to see and hear — blockbuster movies, TV shows, your music and photos, even news and sports — right on your widescreen TV.” iTunes content can now be stored in iCloud as well. This essentially makes the streaming service cloud based.

Other non-iTunes services are also starting to make their presence. Apple has pointed out that Vimeo, YouTube and Netflix are all supported. Users can also watch live, or On Demand, MLB and NBA (sport) games. Other services like music and pictures are also available to share on the big screen. One thing still missing is a Web browser when compared to Google’s offerings. Another thing is apps. Apple TV does not run iOS nor allow users to run apps form it. However, if you own an iOS device, you can use AirPlay Mirroring to put its content on your TV.

Google TV

Google TV generally comes as a packaged product inside various electronics. This means that certain Blue-ray players or TV sets, like the Sony nsx-40GT1, offer Google TV as part of their package. In terms of set-top boxes available, I only found one. It is called the Logitech Revue and costs $129.99 new, vs. the Apple TV price tag of $99.99. The Google TV hardware, however, isn’t manufactured by Google per se. Google is working with a couple different vendors in getting it out on the market. These vendors have options to make the hardware the way they see fit, or integrate it into other hardware the way they see fit. Google provides the platform for them to use. Google also offers both a Chrome Web browser for Google TV and an Android operating system. With the Android mobile OS being available, users can download various apps onto the device to use from their TV sets. Unlike the Apple TV, which is mostly tied to iTunes, Google TV is open to a variety of content.

The Android Marketplace is also quite open and free from restrictions as opposed to the App Store (although the App Store isn’t available on the Apple TV anyway). Various manufacturing partners have options of putting up their own digital stores and content on the device as well. Services such as Netflix, HBO Go, and Amazon Instant Video are available as well.

Something really awesome about Google TV is the amount of free TV shows you can stream and watch without a subscription to an external service. According to Gigaom, “Turner Broadcasting was one of the official Google TV launch partners, so it’s not surprising to see the company’s networks TBS and TNT embrace Google TV. But we were pleasantly surprised to see that Syfy.com is streaming its shows to Google TV as well, despite being owned by NBC, and we loved the streams made available by Comedy Central.” The report mentioned Fox being supported, as well, in regards to certain shows.

Google TV vs Apple TV Comparison

Apple and Google have brought their own software models of distribution to these two products. Their differences fundamentally lie in the difference between the two companies’ philosophies. If you want a more open platform with a variety of streaming content available, then Google TV may be your best choice. If you want an Apple product that integrates all of your iTunes content — from movies and TV shows to pictures you want to share — then the Apple TV may be good for you. It depends on if you want a streaming service tied to iTunes and other Apple products you may own; or a service that conglomerates various media in a single package, with more freedom by vendors in implementation of software.

Google TV is actually integrated with more services than the Apple TV. Examples of these services include Netflix, HBO Go, and Amazon Instant Video. However, as mentioned, Apple does work with a couple, like Netflix as well. Google TV isn’t tied to a single distribution network like the Apple TV with iTunes. The main difference lies in propriety vs. non-propriety. Google is allowing their manufacturing partners creative flexibility in the features they allow into their Google TV hardware. While Apple isn’t even working with other manufacturers and producing the top-set box themselves.

VentureBeat recently ran a story about why Hulu isn’t available on the Apple TV yet. This has to do with Apple wanting its share of revenue after rentals and purchases themselves (via iTunes). Google, on the other hand, allows it and wants as many customers to use this service as possible. Unlike Apple, Google also is partnering with various manufacturers and wants to appeal to them.

In terms of hardware, Google TV also offers more flexibility to users. Yahoo Shopping puts it bluntly, “Need composite video outputs, 1080p decoding or some other, yet unknown feature on Apple TV? Tough luck, wait for next year. Need it on Google TV? Just wait for some manufacturer to pump out a deluxe box.” Also, keep in mind you can actually search for broadcast TV channels from the Google TV over the net and you can’t from the Apple TV, as pointed out by SearchEngineLand.

You read that right. Apple TV does not currently support 1080p resolutions and only goes up to 720p. This may be a big deal to those of you with huge HDTVs that support 1080p. Another thing to remember is Google TV runs Android and Apple TV does not run iOS. This may be a deal breaker for many of you who want apps and additional content from the device. However, Apple has been expanding the Apple TV in features and you can now read the Wall Street Journal from it for instance.

Combating Cable and Satellite Companies

In terms of TV shows, and not just movies, both the Apple TV and Google TV have a lot of room to grow. Their services have a lot of popular TV shows missing from any service offered. This is mostly due to cable and satellite TV companies fighting the digital distribution model. These companies want consumers to continue purchasing many channels at home from them at the traditional distribution model. Although they embraced DVR, they still fear what streaming content and cloud-based TV may do to their business model. However, it is only a matter of time before more consumers switch to the digital model and more shows are offered this way.

Conclusion

Both the Apple TV and Google TV are great steps in the digital distribution direction that TV is heading. Apple TV offers live sports coverage already and there is a lot of TV content available through iTunes. Google offers an open platform that integrates Android apps and the Chrome Web browser. There is a lot of free content available for the Google TV in terms of TV shows as well. For movie fans, they are both great options with other services compatible like Netflix. However, the answer on which you want may depend on if you just want a streaming video content device (Apple TV); or a device that also runs a browser, Google Chrome, and an entire app ecosystem on your television (Google TV). In terms of pure hardware, though, the Google TV wins out because it supports 1080p HD quality of playback while Apple TV only supports resolutions of up to 720p. The bottom line is that TV is going to the cloud and both of these models are steps in this direction.

While other devices, like Intel Ultrabooks, can be used as full PCs and enterprise solutions, the cloud and remote access apps are paving the way for this on smaller devices as well. Although traditional desktop PCs will probably always be far ahead in hardware specs and software compatibility to enterprise apps, all of these mobile devices have a very good chance of one day becoming full workstations. Even the iPad, which was once looked at as just a consumer fad, has many great apps that benefit IT professionals.

One thing is for sure: the trend as of late has been for mobile devices to get smaller and lighter. The rise of tablets, netbooks, smartphones and other gadgets shows that the form factor is shrinking in popularity. This is the direction many companies are going as well. Mobile PCs are also becoming smaller and lighter.

This new shift of paradigm comes at a cost though. Many of these lighter and more portable devices can’t compete with similarly-priced laptops in hardware specs. Some of them are also ditching the optical drive, large HDDs, or even USB drives and rely on cloud services.

Here are some of the latest mobile PC devices to look for in 2012.

5. Intel Ultrabooks

Intel ultrabooks offer a blend of tablet and laptop features commonly associated with each product lineup individually. Intel has big plans for these new ultra-thin computing devices, and is partnering with various manufacturers to get them out on the market in 2012.

Some models have already been released. However, most will not be available until next year. Examples of already released models include the Asus Zenbook UX21 and the Acer S3-951-6646.

Both are dual core with a decent amount of memory (4GB DDR3); however, the Zenbook offers much more SSD storage. The Acer offers both a standard hard drive and a 16GB SSD drive. The Zenbook offers a 128GB SSD.

Despite the price premium over tablets, there is a lot of interest in them already. At first glance, they seem more similar to netbooks or the Macbook Air, rather than modified tablets. However, here are some tablet-like features Intel is preparing for them as reported by PC World: “Intel has said it will equip ultrabooks with tablet features such as touchscreens, long battery life, instant-boot features and always-on connectivity in the coming years.”

I would say that ultrabooks are a direct response to the Macbook Air and tablet popularity, rather than a replacement for netbooks. Keep in mind that netbooks exist with their current low-end specs mostly due to their price. Ultrabooks will not be available at this sub-$500 price point, at least not for quite some time.

However, due to the enterprise market being less price sensitive, ultrabooks may appeal to enterprise users in a strong way. They do offer a full Windows OS and application capability unlike Windows 8 tablets that need apps redesigned for the interface. They also have the added benefit of portability over netbooks due to having a touchscreen and a strong battery life. This means users have less to worry about in terms of peripherals, as compared to standard laptops or netbooks. Enterprise users can get work done without always having to carry an extra battery charger or a mouse.

Their hardware specs have to match current laptops to be relevant though, even in this market. The ones already released seem to have decent hardware, but some cheaper models are also in the pipeline from various manufacturers that may not.

Look for many different ultrabooks to hit the market in 2012.

4. Google Chromebooks

Google Chromebooks are portable computing devices designed for the ultimate Web experience. They are geared toward Web browsing and Web-based services or applications. Like ultrabooks, their form factor represents laptops, but they come at a much lighter size and weight. Chromebooks also have a very quick boot process, an instant browsing feature, and are designed to be used almost instantly on the go. Their boot up process only takes eight seconds according to Google’s Chromebook product page. They also don’t rely on any anti-virus software for security or need any maintenance done by end users. Applications are compatible from the Chrome Web Store and ones designed in HTML5.

Chromebooks may truly represent the future of mobile computing and the impact that cloud computing has had on the industry. Google’s cloud services, like Google docs, are an integral part of the Chromebook experience. The whole Chrome operating system is designed around the cloud. Google doesn’t design the hardware, but offers the platform (Chrome OS) that manufacturers utilize in their products. Google just provides the OS and Web platform, kind of like Android for tablets.

Google also stores user data in the cloud rather than the actual Chromebook hard drive. The hard drive is reserved mostly just for the operating system. This is a positive or a negative depending on how you look at it. Your company does not have to worry about data loss via theft or hardware malfunctions because of this. On the other hand, Google will have access to it and many companies may not want sensitive data to be in Google’s hands.

According to Search Engine Marketing Group, “The Chromebook isn’t a computer in the traditional sense, but what has been known in IT virtualization circles for years as a thin client. The Chromebook is less than a computer, less even than the iPad; nothing more than an interface which allows you to interact with websites and online apps. Pre-loaded with the Chrome browser ‘OS’, loaded with bookmarks to Google web apps, devices like the Chromebook probably could replace your desktop, laptop and smart-phone. But imagine not storing anything locally, and handing everything to Google on a plate.”

3. Android Tablets

There are various Android tablets available on the market right now that mostly came into being as a response to the iPad. The latest operating system is called Android Honeycomb. However, it isn’t generally available on the budget tablets coming out. Instead, it generally exists on iPad competitors like the Motorola Xoom. The OS is designed to offer a unique tablet experience that makes it stand out from smartphones. Many Android users prefer its flexibility and freedom over iOS. The next version of Android, called Ice Cream Sandwich, will be coming out very soon and it looks to offer more integration between smartphone and tablet usage.

There are also many different manufacturers in the Android tablet business with various models of tablets to offer. Some of them, like the Asus Eee Pad Transformer, offer a laptop-like experience with added docs for keyboards, and even mouse support. Others, like the Galaxy Tab 10.1, offer an iPad-like experience with an Android flavor. There are also tablets that run Android in a variety of form factors. Some range from 5″ like the Dell Streak, while others are around the iPad’s size of 10.1″.

There are a lot of options in this category and they keep growing. The Amazon Kindle has recently been released, but it is geared for consumer consumption rather than enterprise productivity. The Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime also recently was released and it is the first quad-core (Nvidia Tegra 3) tablet. There are many more options to consider when picking an Android tablet.

2. Apple’s iPad Lineup of Tablets

The iPad was launched in the early part of 2010 and took consumers by storm. Ever since the iPad was released, the concept of a media-consumption tablet has become synonymous with Apple. Before the original iPad hit retail there was a lot of confusion about what type of product it will be and why consumers would want a tablet in the first place. As users put their hands on it, however, the answer appeared in front of their eyes. The iPad was the first tablet really geared at the consumer mass-market. It is a consumption device first and foremost; and its portability, easy-of-use, and application support is second to none.

Millions of iPads have been sold, shattering expectations. Meanwhile, Android tablets have been struggling to keep up. Apple truly bridged the gap between a smartphone and a laptop with the iPad’s portability, all-day high battery life, and sleek form factor. Now we are living in a second generation of iPads, called the iPad 2, and a third model is expected sometime in 2012. The question remains and has been buzzing around rumor mills, whether it will have a RETINA display capable of resolutions around 2,048×1,536.

Despite that the iPad has been geared for media consumption rather than heavy-duty productivity use, it can offer enterprise users many beneficial uses as well. Its apps make all the difference and make the tablet truly stand out. Many of them are geared for productivity and translate well for enterprise use. For example, Apple has an iWork suite available with a word processing app called Pages that allows users to add graphs, charts, and images. The app even supports exporting documents in the Microsoft Word (.doc) file format. Another iWork app, called Keynote, is a presentation app that offers support or compatibility with Microsoft PowerPoint presentations. There are also various cloud solutions for enterprise users, like Dropbox or iCloud, which allow documents to be saved and worked on across devices.

1. Windows Tablets

There are a number of Windows 7 tablets right now on the market. However, a lot of manufacturers are waiting for Windows 8 to be available before creating Windows-based tablets for consumers. Many of these tablets suffer from poor battery life, an expensive price tag, and are pretty much geared just for Windows desktop applications. They are supported by enterprise because of this application compatibility, but aren’t as popular among consumers in general.

However, Samsung is about to release a Windows 7 tablet that has a lot of people talking. This tablet is called the Samsung Slate PC Series 7 and will cost $1099 when it debuts at an undisclosed date. What will make this tablet stand out is that it offers both multi-touch and Wacom digitizer stylus support. It also comes with great specs and a very good battery life. According to PC World, specs include a Core i5 CPU, 4GB of RAM, a 11.6″ display, 64GB SSD, multiple cameras, micro-HDMI, USB 2.0, micro SD, audio ports and a 40 Watt-hour battery rating. Expect it sometime by the year’s end or early 2012. It may be worth waiting for Windows 8 tablets though, as Microsoft is designing the OS with them in mind. Look for them to start coming out around late 2012.

Conclusion

These mobile PCs we highlighted represent just a small chunk of the options available right now for users. There are also the traditional netbooks, laptops, and Macbooks that are coming out in various flavors. A lot of variations of devices in many of these categories also exist for consumers to choose from. The mobile PC you choose for yourself — or your company chooses for its employees — may depend on the nature of the work you will be doing. Do you plan on doing light tasks to coincide with productivity from a laptop, or do you want a device to replace your desktop PC as a mobile workstation? Do you think cloud represents the future, and are you willing to trade local data storage for pure cloud storage and application usage? These are just some questions you may want to answer as you look for a mobile PC solution for yourself and your company.

Google+ is not their first attempt, but it may be their last.

Google + Social Media

Google has had a few attempts at a social media realm. You can look at a chat within Gmail to be one of their first, and very popular, social tools. They then added a follow feature to their Reader program which did allow users to see what items on the internet someone found interesting, but not much personal information like Facebook or Twitter. Then came Buzz and Wave, both of which soon lost appeal.

Now it looks like the same problems they experienced in the past are reappearing in Google+.

The Problem with Google+

One of the main problems that Google+, Buzz, and Wave all share is what I consider the “closed playground” problem. Many of Google’s apps are in beta version (even Gmail is still considered in beta!) and have an invite only entrance policy. I understand the appeal of being one of the first, but in a social network that never helps.

Would you want to be the only one at a party? Talking to yourself? This is the problem with Google+. Unless a larger number of my friends and family join, as well as log in regularly, I’m just posting to myself.

Google should have made Google+ open to anyone with a Gmail account and they would have seen a larger engagement from the beginning.

Engagement is the second major problem with Google+. Being the new kid on the block, it’s difficult for people to switch right away. It’s common for me to check my Gmail, Facebook, and Twitter first thing in the morning; Google+ doesn’t even come to my mind. As Google+ becomes something I forget more and more about, the sooner it will be I’ll cancel my account.

Can Google Still Save Google+?

I can see the attempts Google is making to get me to check in regularly. I get emails whenever I’m added to someone’s circle, but that’s it. No emails about when items are posted or shared. And I have my Gmail up almost the entire day. What a great opportunity to inform me of these items. If spam is a concern, let me create a setting in which an email will be sent to me once or twice a day informing me of all the new posts. This would be a good reminder of what Google+ offers and get me to regularly engage.

My final concern is more of a personal preference, but something I think many would agree with. The stream of information in Google+ doesn’t stay in chronological order by post but rather by comment.

For example, Felicia Day posts something at 10am. I see this post at 10:15am. I then check my Google+ at 12:30pm and her post is still at the top because a new comment has been posted by someone not in my circles. Any posts after that require me to scroll down. This makes it difficult to stay up to date on what people are posting and almost does a Digg-like effect of having the most commented posts stay on top. I think that’s a great idea, but offer that as a link on the side as Most Commented.

Google has made some great apps and changed the way the internet is used many times, however Google+ is going to fade away soon (just like Google Wave and Buzz) if these problems aren’t dealt with right away.

Are You Using Google+?

What do you think? Are you using Google+? If so, what do you like/dislike about this new app?

Cisco Exams Expiring

The final testing days have come for six Cisco exams, most of which already have or will soon be replaced with updated versions. Three exams were just removed, and another three are ending soon. If you’re planning on taking any of these exams, you’ll need to schedule an exam date before the expiration date.

The Cisco exams already removed are as follows:

• Cisco CCSP – 642-504 SNRS (Securing Networks with Cisco Routers and Switches)
• Cisco CCSP – 642-515 (Securing Networks with ASA Advanced)
• Cisco CCSP – 642-524 SNAF (Securing Networks with ASA Foundation)

The Cisco exams expiring soon include:

• Cisco CCDA – 640-863 DESGN (Designing for Cisco Internetwork Solution) – Last testing date: 4/30/2011
• Cisco CCDP – 642-873 ARCH (Designing Cisco Network Service Architectures) – Last testing date: 5/7/2011
• Cisco CCSP and IPS Specialist – 642-533/IPS v6 (Implementing Cisco Intrusion Prevention Systems) – Last testing date: 5/31/2011

For more information on the CCSP exams, take advantage of the CCSP exam certification tool which will help you determine which exams will count towards your cert and which exams you still need to complete.

For more information on the new DESGN and ARCH exams, take a look at this article from Cisco Learning Network.

Free TechNet Subscriptions for New Virtualization Professionals

Microsoft recently announced that any IT Professionals who pass a Microsoft Virtualization exam between March 1, 2011 and June 30, 2011 will receive a complimentary TechNet Subscription (valued at $199). The eligible Virtualization exams include:

• Exam 70-659: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Server Virtualization
• Exam 70-669: TS: Windows Server 2008 R2, Desktop Virtualization
• Exam 70-652: TS: Windows Server Virtualization, Configuring
• Exam 70-693: PRO: Windows Server 2008 R2, Virtualization Administrator

To take advantage of this offer, you’ll need to register here, and only the first 1,000 will be eligible, so act fast!

Microsoft MCITP Lync Server 2010 Administrator Certification

Microsoft has announced a new MCITP cloud certification aimed at IT Professionals who deploy and configure Microsoft Lync Server 2010 (part of Microsoft’s Office 365 SaaS offering.) The certification is scheduled to become available in late April, 2011. You’ll need to pass the following exams:

1. Exam 70-664: TS: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Configuring
2. Exam 70-665: PRO: Microsoft Lync Server 2010, Administrator

Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Apps Certification in Beta

If you’re interested in becoming certified in designing and developing applications for Windows Phone 7, you might be in luck. Microsoft has just started allowing IT Professionals to register to take the exam in its beta stages from April 19th to May 4th.

If you register soon, you could receive an invitation to take the Designing and Developing Windows Phone 7 Applications Exam 71-599 early, giving you credit for the Microsoft Certified Professional Developer: Windows Phone 7, Developer certification once it is released. You can get more information and find out where to register at Born to Learn.

Google Offers Google Apps Certification

Google is planning to offer two Google Apps certifications conducted remotely by Kryterion. The certifications being released are the Google Apps Deployment Specialist and the Google Apps for Education Certified Trainer certification, which is aimed at professionals who provide training and support to schools that use Google Apps for Education.

The Google Apps Deployment Specialist exam will require a Kryterion Flexible Neck Webcam to remotely supervise the test-taking session. The exam itself will be comprised of 98 multiple-choice questions and will cost $100. You can view the study guide on Google’s Certification Program website.

The Google Apps for Education Certified Trainer certification exam is actually a two-step process. In order to become “qualified”, you will need to pass a total of 6 online exams within 90 days. The exams themselves cost $15 each. You can view the study guide for each of the exams on Google’s free online training site. The second step, which will make you a Certified Trainer, will require an application, references, sample materials you have created, and a short video which demonstrates your ability to teach and train the material in question.

Sun Certs Soon to Require Class Attendance

Beginning August 1, 2011, four Java and Oracle Solaris certification paths will require classroom-based training from an approved training provider (Oracle University Training Center, Oracle Authorized Education Center, Oracle Authorized Education Partner, Oracle Academy and approved programs, and the Oracle Workforce Development Program).

You can however, choose between instructor-led classroom courses, or instructor-led online courses, in case you don’t live near an approved training center. According to Oracle, “self study CD-Rom and knowledge center (including recorded web courses – RWC) courses are excellent study and reference tools but DO NOT meet the hands-on course requirement for certification.”

The Sun certification paths affected by this change include:

• Java Architect
• Java Developer
• Solaris System Administrator
• Solaris Security Administrator

For more information, take a look at this press release.

Oracle Betas in Closing Stages

Oracle has a few exams that have been going through their beta stages and have either ended or are ending soon. So far, six exams have ended and three are set to end in the next few weeks.

So far, the following exams have ended their beta testing:

• Oracle Enterprise Manager Application Quality Management 11g Essentials (1Z1-529)
• StorageTek Tape Libraries Essentials (1Z1-546)
• Sun Flash Storage Essentials (1Z1-552)
• Oracle iStore 12 Essentials (1Z1-555)
• Oracle Insurance Policy Administration Configuration Essentials (1Z1-557)
• Sun Storage 6000 Arrays Essentials (1Z1-563)

The following beta exams are set to end soon:

• Siebel CRM 8 Business Analyst (1Z1-219) – Ending April 16, 2011
• Oracle Live Sciences Data Hub 2 Essentials (1Z1-556) – Ending April 16, 2011
• Oracle Real Application Clusters 11g Release 2 and Grid Infrastructure Administration (1Z1-058) – Ending May 14, 2011

For more information on these exams and more, please visit the Oracle Certification Program Beta Exams page.

Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Master

While we’re on the topic of Oracle certifications, it’s worth mentioning that the Oracle Database 11g Administrator Certified Master exam is now available. While this exam definitely isn’t for everyone, those who are Oracle experts can sign up for the new 2-day, hands on exam for around $2,000. Visit Oracle to learn more or to register.

HP AIS StorageWorks Certification

HP recently released the new AIS StorageWorks Integration 2011 certification as an update and replacement to the older HP AIS StorageWorks 2008 certification. The new certification will require passing two new exams.

Unfortunately, because of the many changes involved, there is currently no upgrade or “fast track” path available to those who already hold the 2008 certification.

PMI Agile Certification

Much like the Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional certification, the new Agile Certification focuses on teams and project management.

However, while the PMP certification is aimed more at leading and directing teams, the Agile Certification focuses more on the Agile principles and practices used to manage projects. The exam is scheduled for release sometime in the third quarter of 2011, and applications will be available in May.

Visit the PMI.org Agile Certification page for more information.