If you follow Zype on Twitter (hint: if you don't, you should) you may already have already read about how cable companies could continue to hold their grip on subscribers by charging more for Internet service.
This may seem counter-intuitive, but in its article, the Huffington Post asserts that a lack of competition in most cities throughout the U.S. could allow cable-based ISPs to get away with that sort of action. Cable can say they are losing revenue to online streaming and can hike their broadband prices to compensate for those losses. The unfortunate part for consumers is that they may end up paying the extra fees because there will be no competition at their homes. It's either costly Internet or no Internet.
While that's obviously not a situation most consumers want to find themselves in, they won't go unrewarded. Zype also made note of a number of things to smile about when it comes to the present and future of streaming. If you like augmented reality, you may have heard of the Google game called Ingress. It could soon become a television show and make its appearance on either Netflix or Hulu as possible online streaming destinations.
Do you like live streaming? Do you also find fault with the way YouTube has always handled its live streams? Even with major events such as the State of the Union and the League of Legends Championship Series, Engadget points out, there is still a lot to be desired regarding content and the user interface. Well, Google may soon give us an update with a revamp of the entire streaming service. The report indicates that about 50 engineers are currently working on the situation and that consumers could see progress as soon as June at the E3 gaming convention.
Let's also talk about resolution. High resolution found in 4K and the futuristic 8K. While consumers are only now jumping to screens that will support the definition of 4K, PCWorld says YouTube is testing videos that only the newest user devices can handle. Meanwhile, an additional report from the tech news organization says the entire Windows 10 operating system is looking even further ahead with support for 8K. Although 8K has only made a showing at some industry events and has a long way before it's widely adopted into consumers' living rooms and dens, it's clear that Microsoft wants to be with those early adopters when they splurge for the new big screen.
What all this implies is that the millennial generation and likeminded consumers won't back away from streaming. Even as they get older and make more money -- in contrast to some opinions noted this past weekend at PBS -- millennials will keep looking forward to streaming as the best way to get the latest in shows, movies, and live content. With support for the sky-high screen resolutions and continued adoption of the latest shows (Ingress) related to the latest trends (augmented reality), a jump in cost won't deter fans.
Header image courtesy of Mr.TinDC and Enzo Varialle via Flickr and Flickr.
