When I was a student in John Robinson’s JOMC 101 course at UNC, I was asked to think of the next big thing. My group came up with the idea of TV shopping. No, not the shopping network, but actually shopping on the TV. This innovation would offer TV viewers the opportunity to purchase items that they saw on their favorite pre-recorded programs. If you liked a dress you saw Julie Bowen's character wearing on Modern Family, you would simply click on the dress and be taken to a purchase screen (similar to Google shopping). Since this shopping program would require internet access, it would only be available on Smart TVs. At the time, I thought this was a pretty grand innovation. Smart TVs seemed to be taking off, so why not add another element to them? A year and a half later, and I’m not sure this is the next best thing.
When the idea for "Smart TV" was first conceived, it seemed to be one of the best fusions of modern technology. Essentially, these TVs combine cable and internet to save viewers money and time; Smart TV owners can watch their favorite shows while searching the web. The technology also supports apps, similar to an iPhone, like Netflix, Twitter, etc. In theory, these TVs are a brilliant idea. There are, however, many critiques regarding the "complicated user interface" and the "slow download time."
Regardless of these points, most critics fail to mention the most important factor as to what makes Smart TVs...not smart. The Smart TV platform would have been a more successful venture if it had been unveiled years ago. With cable consumption declining daily, users aren't watching programs on their TVs anymore. If they aren't using their TVs to watch television, then Smart TVs are essentially pointless. Users shouldn't spend their money on something that will likely be phased out in the next ten years. Odds are, it will become a "dumb TV" sooner than you think.