• by Frank Maggio , February 15, 2007

Cue Cat
Cost: Free device distributed to a segment of the public (huge upfront investment to deploy).
Enhancements: None. Net incremental device - does not replace/improve on existing device.
Install: Required. Needed to be installed on the back of a PC at a time.
Where: Laptops were not prevalent [during the late 1990s when Digital Convergence tried deploying the technology]; Ports were limited.
Tethering: Wired. Needed to be linked to a computer, and near a computer. Not typically where people read magazines.
Compelling purpose: Scan for the occasional ad with a code, and you are rewarded with a web site address so you can see even more advertising online.
Ability to monitor consumption of products and wide variety of media: No.

Remo
Cost: Retail at $199-plus. Cost of distribution entirely covered by users.
Enhancements: Improvement over traditional remote controls (second most used appliance in the home), with future features of VoIP phones to displace in-home phones. Not an incremental device, and in fact, can replace multiple remotes with Universal Remote functionality.
Install: None Required. Wireless connection to existing wi-fi. All software upgrades and install conducted wirelessly. No use of new ports, and all help is on-screen.
Tethering: Wireless. Can be used anywhere a remote or phone is used; typically in family rooms and other entertainment space.
Compelling purpose: Prizes; interact with TV programs; participate in polls; vote; play games; chat; watch TV and read about shows prior to tuning them; order groceries and manage inventory; read news; scan codes in ads and see follow-up questions, games, or rewards right there on the device, in real time (not just a link to an ad on your PC).
Next generation version: speak via telephone to others.
Ability to monitor consumption of products and wide variety of media: Yes.