iPod video: just the right size

Even before iPod support for video was announced this past week there had been plenty of posts complaining that the possibilities of the format were too limiting, using arguments such as screen size and resolution. Now that we know the specs the voices are multiplying anticipating the failure of the format.

I've been waiting for this launch for over a year, even avoiding TV to make the moment sweeter so I need no convincing but in case you do, read the editorial from Engadget on the real plans for iPod video. Once you do, consider the following as well:

• There are Torrents formatted for iPod already.


• 320x240 is small... for downloads. A typical one-hour TV show with decent encoding is about 200Mb


• The small size will also allow faster transfers over WiFi, which currently supports 54Mbps


• Given these specs, a video provider could transfer a one-minute video in about one second

All of the sudden I'm realizing that the iPod is just the right size to carry with you all day long and still allow for real-time delivery of video content, enabling some very interesting applications:

• Download a whole TV show while you wait in line at Starbucks. A new TV show every day.


• Download a one-minute ad as you walk by your favourite store