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The FCC has four principles that serve as guidelines to preserve and promote the open and interconnected nature of the Public Internet, commonly referred to as, Net Neutrality. 1. Consumers are entitled to access the lawful Internet content of their choice; 2. Consumers are entitled to run applications and services of their choice, subject to the needs of law enforcement; 3. Consumers are entitled to connect their choice of legal devices that do not harm the network; 4. Consumers are entitled to competition among network providers, application and service providers, and content providers. If you’re a consumer, they sound pretty good. If you’re in the business of providing Internet access, not so much. Today, FCC Chair Julius Genachowski is going to suggest that these guidelines become FCC rules. The battle between government and industry for your connected future, begins today.
In a recent filing with the FCC, Google noted that Apple notified it that its Google Voice application was indeed rejected. While Apple still says the application is currently under review, Google notes that Apple’s head of marketing told Google of the rejection, which it shared in its filing. The FCC filing note that the app was rejected for duplicating the core phone functions of the iPhone.
Hulu is reportedly testing a subscription based video service. While the tests are in the very early stage, the report comes as News Corp, a partner in the venture, is hard at work monetizing online content. While Hulu is only supported by ads, News Corp COO Chase Carey believes its not going to be enough for the future, noting ““Ad-supported only is going to be a tough place in a fractured world. You want a mix of pay and free.”
After appearing as a guest on five different Sunday talk shows, President Obama will be the first sitting President to guest on a late night talk show tonight. Obama, who was a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman after the election, but before being sworn in, will return as the sole guest on Letterman, where he will most likely be discussing his plans for health care reform. The move marks a stark decision by Obama to use the most popular outlet in the world, TV, just as he successfully did during his campaign, in order to spread his message.
Sony 3-D’s adaptation of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs took the top spot at the box office this weekend. The 3-D family film grossed over $30.1 million nationwide, giving theaters a much needed post-Labor Day injection. The box office take declined so much this week that Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs beat out its closest competitor, The Informant, by nearly $20 million.