Festive mood and Xmas holydays are left behind. It’s high time to ponder over 2008 year. What will be popular and profitable the next year? What predictions and prognostication will come true?! I gathered some interesting posts and researches on the future of web apps, sites, blogs, online video and web TV, including my own 2008 predictions.

I’m deeply interested in trends that could cause one or another event developing on the web. Folks exchange and express their opinions all time, that’s why we see so many essentially different views on likewise events. What apps will survive, and why the others won’t? What should we make use of the next year? What technologies will take off this year? What new technologies will appear?

Richard MacManus made up a list of Top Web Apps & Sites of 2007, the most used and preferred this year, which are at his top. Among them are Google brand, last.fm, YouTube, Flickr, MyBlogLog. Surely, I occasionally opt for these apps taking into consideration its character. The author wants to emphasize a substantial contribution these websites do. Read also ReadWriteWeb’s 2008 Web Predictions

Drama20show made quite a reasonable assumption regarding internet development and consumption. Among naked truths in the list an author suggests that:

- People will continue to consume online porn regularly. Hopefully they will do so on one more of the properties in my extensive network of niche adult entertainment websites. If you’re looking for classy nude photographs and videos of some of Silicon Valley’s finest, get in touch and I’ll give you 10% off a subscription to Sand Hill Snatches, Palo Alto Pussy, Techie Tits or Google Girls Gone Wild.

- Organized online crime will continue to be more profitable than starting a Web 2.0 company by the tune of at least several billion dollars, but all the Mark Zuckerburgs will continue to think that they’re money.

Meanwhile, following drama 2.0, Mashable made up their own list of WON’Ts:

- The majority of web 2.0 startups won’t develop long-term business models. Web 2.0 services such as social networks face substantial challenges in delivering for advertisers.

- Most of the Hottest Web 2.0 Startups Won’t Get Acquired for Big Bucks. Many of the startups that have raised money at $100+ million valuations may leave shit out of luck.

- Silicon Valley Won’t Take Over Hollywood. Silicon Valley is not likely to take over Hollywood and it certainly isn’t going to happen in 2008. As I’ve discussed before, Silicon Valley is capable of finding new ways to distribute content but is ill-equipped to create content.

Adam Ostrow also made a list of predictions offering his own guesses on “how trends we saw in ‘07 will translate into big deals, new technologies, and emerging themes we will see in the new year.” Should we believe that News Corp will monetize MySpace, Email won’t die and Blogs Become Hot Acquisition Targets? They are partially possible to be realized, and too optimistic.

Net-Security offers Web security predictions for 2008

I singled out some relevant Jeff Pulver’s Internet Communications and Social Media Predictions for 2008:

- If the writer’s strike is not resolved by February, look for the major networks to start importing successful TV series from abroad and presenting them as “new” for the remainder of the 2008 television season.

- Broadband penetration will continue to snowball in the US, but not at a pace fast enough to raise America’s mediocre global standing in broadband penetration.

- Users will also recognize the value of the Internet as a better means to access content than traditional broadcast and cable delivery systems, thereby greatly reducing the impact of the 2009 DTV mandate.

Top Five Technology Predictions for 2008 by Jamie.

- Ultra Cheap Laptops

- Offline Mode for Online Applications

- Social networks will see an increase adoption

- A better year for Microsoft

- Apple Marches On

Among VideoNuze’s Predictions for 2008 I found interesting ‘Beijing Summer Olympics is a broadband blowout’ and ‘2008 is the “Year of the broadband presidential election.”

Online Video Insider offers its own Online Video Predictions for 2008 (some of them are getting arising these days):

- Video goes vertical. Video content will find well-branded homes for vertical video.

- Professionally produced content online surpasses amateur content

- TV is a box–one of many

- More political advertising online than TV

- Video search will make sense

- Video blogging will cross the chasm. The differences between video blogs and video communities will blur, as social networking sites like MySpace will be increasingly dominated by video versions of teen-angst rants and boyfriend bashing

- Video communities. Communities will be redefined, and hopefully, bring the “personal” back into personal computing.

And my own predictions:

• Speaking about blogs in general, vlogs are getting more and more popular on the web
• The web will become densely populated with Asian people (e.g. Chinese are everywhere, including the .asia domain appearing)
• Email on a par with traditional mail has its own pros and cons, therefore neither will die
• Vlogs, video startups are highly popular, they’re springing up all over the web
• In spite of the fact that advertisers don’t use online ads in full, InVideo and InGame advertising start to become extensible
• Virtual worlds will become a part of our lives… immoderately. We play video games online, we play our lives on the web in real time spending too much time online
• User-generated content won’t disappear, but high quality videos are gaining rotation
• Social communities will turn into social video communities

To sum up, it should be said that all of these predictions have a right to be well-grounded and sound. It’s up to you to adhere or disclaim one or another prognosis. The only thing you should pay attention is think over them.

Technorati Tags: 2008, xmas, predictions, web tv, television, videos, online videos, media, digital, movies, tv shows, social communities, virtual worlds, video games, startups, blogs, vlogs, video sites, advertisement, invideo ad

Today I’m interviewing Todd Weider, an owner and creator of SplashVision.com that helps folks to keep up with friends, associates and professionals surrounding water related lifestyles. SplashVision gives an opportunity to share videos, photos, ideas and services.

1. Can you tell me a little about your personal background?

My entire life I live in a place surrounded by water. Dating back to the time when I was 13 I lived together with other people in small yachts. At the age of 19 I became a professional mariner by obtaining my first merchant mariners license, accomplishing what only a few could do at such an early age. I began working on many yachts around the globe and obtained deep knowledge about various cultures. At the age of 24 I took command as Captain of the 150′ yacht with 12 crew and 12 guests aboard. The starting point of this voyage was Perth (Australia), and the final terminal - the East Coast of the United States. During this voyage I crossed the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and both the Red and Mediterranean Seas. In 1999 I helped to spearhead a project to developing and providing the technology for TCPIP traffic data to be sent via satellite communication devices. After 2001 I had an opportunity to help assemble a team to design, build and specify another large vessel. This one was going to be the 185′ Oceangoing Mega-Yacht. I was heavily involved in writing of specifications for the vessel, the design of the vessel and design of all onboard communications, navigation systems and AV systems. The project spanned over 3 years. Shortly after that I departed the yachting business and returned to Florida to focus on my real-estate holdings. Early in 2007 I wrote the specification and plan for the PHI lifestyle business and hired a web development team to develop a working model of the only social site of its kind, SplashVision.com.

2. What do you do for a living? What do you do full time?

Besides SplashVision, I tend to manage some of my real estate. However I spend plenty of time building and improving the business of PHI which operates SplashVision. SplashVision is a very young startup and requires constant attention in order to reach its full potential. It’s just a small part of PHI.

3. What’s your university-level education? Degree maybe?

I probably have the best non formal or shall I say an un-structured education available in this world. I learned everything I know from the wealthiest and most educated individuals on the globe, - the guests and owners of 100,000 million dollar Yachts! In many cases I worked directly for them or they were guests. It’s amazing how much you can learn just by listening to them. What’s more incredible is that they share experience, skills and knowledge with me just because they want to talk to someone else…and the travel which took me to all corners of the globe. The marketplace is really huge. I have to say I won’t have trade my education for anything. Oh, and I got paid for it!

4. Why did you choose online video industry to be the major topic of your site?

If you had to make a choice between the internet and the internet on steroids what would you choose? In my eyes it is by far the most powerful medium known. It is also perfect for my audience. Thatэs what they want.

5. Why did you name the service SplashVision?

You’ll get it if you visit SplashVision. “Splash” is water and it is a social media utility, so “Vision” goes very naturally with it.

6. What is your inspiration to work? Or it’s your hobby?

I love the results or shall I say the potential results. It’s incredible to see that you reap the fruits of your labor. It is also a great chance to show your worth as a chief because of your leadership skills and desire to contribute. It’s an awesome high!

7. How much time do you put into this service on a daily basis?

I never stop thinking about it. I am paranoid to fail. But all in all I spend workdays or about to feel completely satisfied if I do something useful. I spend most of my time doing research and understanding the trends. Until recently we were able just to develop this site, but now we can do a fun part. Enjoy our users’ videos.

8. What is your long term vision with SplashVision?

The goal is to create a community that addresses and facilitates the needs of people who live and work in water surroundings. SplashVision realizes this goal. PHI is the core of our long term plan. Exciting times are just around the corner! It will be interesting to see who else wants to join and play with us.

9. Do you have any parting words?

The internet is a crowded space with incredible opportunities. I learned many things and had a good time doing it. IMHO, don’t be afraid of difficulties and never fail. I think a positive attitude is a must. I also believe in great people around you. My teams are always of high-class. When I started this project I did not know anything about it, I am a self-educated person. I think we have done a pretty good job with SplashVision.com and the real excitement is PHI, I think our customers will really like what we are providing.

P.S. I thank Todd for the provided answers!

Technorati Tags: splashvision, interview, videos, photos, web tv, television, tcp ip, web sites, digital media, media

Christmas is a wonderful time to spend long hours with your family. I can’t hardly wait for Christmas days approaching. These long-awaited holydays are around the corner. Be in a hurry for lack of time! What are you going to do on 25 and 26 December? Sure thing Xmas gathers family and relatives around festal table, you have festive mood, holiday-like appearance, swap for greetings and gifts.

After all, TV will be at your disposal all this time. Various TV Christmas specials, cartoons, videos and movies will be aired the whole festive occasion. Watch the exciting Xmas TV shows that are aired specially to entertain folks with a holiday mood.

By the way, I made up a list of Christmas movies according to an interest of viewership (on DVD).

It’s A Wonderful Life. George Bailey has spent his entire life giving of himself to the people of Bedford Falls. He has always longed to travel but never had the opportunity in order to prevent rich skinflint Mr. Potter from taking over the entire town. All that prevents him from doing so is George’s modest building and loan company, which was founded by his generous father. But on Christmas Eve, George’s Uncle Billy loses the business’s $8,000 while intending to deposit it in the bank…

A Christmas Story. Darren McGavin is ideal as the grump of a dad in this 1983 perennial favorite. Strangely, the director of this sentimental, heartwarming film is Bob Clark, whose other best-known efforts are the raunchy Porky’s and the shocker Black Christmas.

The Year Without a Santa Clause. Mrs. Claus tells us about the time Santa had a bad cold and decided to take a vacation from Christmas. Two of his elves, Jingle Bells and Jangle Bells decided to go out (with Vixen) to find children to convince Santa that the Christmas spirit is still important to everybody else. But they have to get past Heat Miser and Snow Miser, first, before they land in Southtown, USA, where it never snows for Christmas. But the Miser Brothers can’t agree to let it snow in Southtown. But Mrs. Santa knows their mom–Mother Nature.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Bitter and hateful, the Grinch is irritated at the thought of the nearby village having a happy time celebrating Christmas. So disguised as Santa Claus, with his dog made to look like a reindeer, he raids the village to steal all the Christmas things. The village is sure to have a sad Christmas this year.

Rudolph’s Shiny New Year. Father Time sends Santa a message telling him that the baby new year, Happy, is missing! And without the baby new year, it’ll remain the old year forever. But it’s foggy and snowing, so Rudolph’s the only reindeer for the job. Rudolph learns that Eon (ugly buzzard) is also searching for Happy, so that eon life will never end. With the help of 1 Million B.C. and Sir 1023, and 1776, Rudolph searches through the islands of the Archipelago of Last Year and races against eon to ensure a Happy New Year.

The Little Drummer Boy. Animated film version of the legendary song of a boy who lets out all his frustrations on a drum, little knowing how significant this drum will be in the birth of the newborn Jesus.
The Polar Express. Santa Claus does not exist. Or does he? For one doubting boy (voice of Daryl Sabara and Tom Hanks), an astonishing event occurs. Late on Christmas Eve night, he lies in bed hoping to hear the sound of reindeer bells from Santa’s sleigh. When to his surprise, a steam engine’s roar and whistle can be heard outside his window. The conductor (voice of Tom Hanks) invites him on board to take an extraordinary journey to the North Pole with many other pajama-clad children. There, he receives an extraordinary gift only those who still believe in Santa can experience.

Miracle on 34th Street. Remake. Movie fans know the only version of this story is the 1947 original, with Natalie Wood as a cynical child and Edmund Gwenn as the man who might be Santa. Maureen O’Hara is perfect as a working mom.
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. As a kid, did you realize that Fred Astaire voiced the mailman and Mickey Rooney was ol’ Santa himself? Also from Rankin/Bass, the folks behind Rudolph.
The Nightmare Before Christmas. Bored and unhappy with the life of being “The Pumpkin King” Jack Skellington of Halloween Town, Jack sets out to find something exciting. Jack discovers “Christmas Town” and takes it upon himself to take over the duties of Santa to deliver toys across the world to children.

Santa Claus is Coming to Town. The Mailman decides to answer some of the most common questions about Santa Claus, and tells us about a small baby named Kris who was left on the doorstep of the Kringle family (toymakers). When Kris grew up, he wanted to deliver toys to the children of Sombertown. But its Burgermeister (Herr Meisterburger) is too mean to let that happen. And to make things worse, there’s an evil wizard named Winter who lives between the Kringles and Sombertown, but Kris manages to melt Winter’s heart (as well as the comely schoolteacher’s) and deliver his toys.

Christmas in Connecticut. Elizabeth is the star of a successful cooking show and author of several cookbooks. But when her manager, Alexander sees forest ranger Jefferson, who lost his cabin in a fire, comment on TV about wishing he could get a home-cooked Christmas dinner, he arranges for a special live show on Christmas, for Elizabeth to cook him Christmas Dinner. Only Elizabeth can’t cook, and trying to keep Jefferson and the viewing public from finding out on a live show may be a little difficult.

Bad Santa. “Bad Santa” is the story of two conmen who go on a road trip to malls dressed as Santa and his elf. Rather than spreading good cheer, the duo’s motive is to rob each establishment, a strategy that becomes complicated when they encounter an 8-year-old who teaches them the true meaning of Christmas.
Elf. Buddy (Will Ferrell) was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa’s sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult human who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs (James Caan). Hobbs, on Santa’s naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter’s relationship with Buddy interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities.

A Charlie Brown Christmas. Can Charles Schulz’s classic special about Charlie’s purchase of a Christmas tree really be 42 years old? Yes, it’s true. One way to tell it’s old: The show’s overtly religious message, courtesy of Linus, is the kind of thing you don’t see in today’s PC world.

The House Without a Christmas Tree. This 1972 special finally appears on DVD, with Lisa Lucas giving a charming performance as a youngster in 1946 who lives with her widowed father and grandmother. It’s such a cliche, but they don’t make them like this anymore.

Please, take part in our poll “What are your fave Christmas TV shows?”

* It’s a Wonderful Life
* A Charlie Brown Christmas
* Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
* A Christmas Story
* The Nightmare Before Christmas
* How The Grinch Stole Christmas
* Miracle on 34th Street
* Frosty the Snowman
* The Little Drummer Boy
* Santa Claus is Coming to Town
* White Christmas
* Elf

Links imdb, azcentral

Christmas and Boxing Day TV schedule. You’re to choose what you want to watch (on TV).

December 25, 2007:

A&E: Crossing Jordan

Animal Planet: Wild Kingdom

Bravo: Project Runway

Cartoon Network: Casper’s Haunted Christmas / Chill Out Scooby-Doo! / Astro Boy

Comedy Central: World Comedy Tour / Relative Strangers / South Park

Court TV: Under Fire

Discovery: Planet Earth / Survivorman

ESPN2: World Series of Poker

FOX: Rick Warren Christmas Special

GSN: Family Feud

Hallmark: A Christmas Memory / The Christmas Card / Anne Tyler’s Saint Maybe

History Channel: UFO Programming

Lifetime: The Golden Girls / A Dad for Christmas / Christmas in Paradise

MTV: The Hills / Tila Tequila / Run’s House / Jackass

NGC: Dog Whisperer

Nickelodeon: Danny Phantom (The Fright Before Christmas) / The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius (Holly Jolly Jimmy)

Sci-Fi: Stargate SG-1

Speed: Truck Competition

Spike TV: CSI / Star Trek

TBS: A Christmas Story

TLC: Miami Ink

TV Guide Channel: Close Up

Travel: Food Heavens

USA: Elf (interrupted by 3 episodes of Monk)

VH1: Salt N’ Pepa Show / The 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s / 90s

December 26, 2007:

BET: Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is

Bravo: Project Runway

Cartoon Network: Futurama

Comedy Central: World Comedy Tour / Relative Strangers / South Park

Court TV: Investigators

Discovery: Mythbusters

Discovery Health: Diagnosis Unknown

ESPN2: World’s Strongest Man Competition

Hallmark: Little House on the Prairie / M*A*S*H / Murder, She Wrote / Walker, Texas Ranger

History Channel: Roswell Programming

MTV: Made / Cribs / My Super Sweet 16 / A Shot at Love With Tila Tequila

Sci-Fi: Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda / Ghost Hunters

TLC: Flip That House

TV Guide Channel: Look-A-Like

Travel: Into Alaska with Jeff Corwin

USA: American Pie / Law & Order / The 4400

VH1: Rock of Love With Bret Michaels / I Love New York

Technorati Tags: christmas, xmas, TV shows, movies, videos, santa, boxing day, futurama, elf, songs, wonderful life, christmas specials, music, networks

Nowadays Anime presents a special layer of culture tracing from Japanese manga (similar to comics) and known to the whole world. The history of Anime dates back to 20 century when Japanese directors begin to experiment with the animation technique created in the West. Anime has lots of peculiarities such as unique plot and ideas symbols, samples, stereotypes.

More over Anime is targeted mostly to teens and adults interests - i t is obvious from its focusing on philosophical and ideological problems.

Sometimes Anime is created to a particular, very narrow audience that leads to the great divergence of genres. The most firm associations concerning Anime are its characters dazzling huge eyes and colourfull odd hair dresses. They serve to display personality and to express emotions, which sometimes seem to be exaggerated and funny. For those who are “addicted” and can’t miss an opportunity to watch Anime I suggest to visit AnimeCrunch.com and indulge – watch Anime online. Here you may find the latest Anime videos:

• Naruto
• One Piece
• Bleach
• Death Note

A huge amount of Anime series are listed on the site. Here you also can find a forum to discuss the experiences and the most exiting news of Japanese animation. Do not miss a chance to “touch” one of the grates cultural” phenomenon”.

Avot Media is a pioneer in online intelligent search, near real-time streaming and personalization of video delivery to web-enabled mobile devices. At its Corporate Site you can find all the information about the company itself and about the services it provides.

Avot mV is a premier video delivery platform for iPhone and iPod Touch. It enables users to search, personalize and play videos from all over the Internet. Avot mV - Product Site provides its customers with high quality mobile video on the basis of an unlimited access to any web-based video. For easier navigation on mobile devices, Avot allows users to point-and-click on videos instead of typing out URLs. Once the user selects a video, Avot mV transfers it to his or her web-enabled mobile gadget within seconds, much faster than earlier mobile video solutions. The near-real time playback eliminates jitter, delays and grainy video quality. Avot mV also maximizes the size and clarity of the video display by removing unnecessary clutter from the mobile user’s screen. The result is the best display possible on a mobile device, no matter what, when or where the mobile user is watching.

Besides there is an Official Blog where you can find the latest news on the topic and learn what other people think about Avot mV.