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At least a couple of these issues are IP-related: "Video on demand for everything." The media czars own the copyrights and want to keep control. "Batteries th

At least a couple of these issues are IP-related: "Video on demand for everything." The media czars own the copyrights and want to keep control. "Batteries that last for months or years for portable electronics." There is not much "freedom to operate" with battery technologies. I haven't read up on this in a while, but my understanding of why Toyota had a hybrid that was head-and-shoulders above other companies was that Panasonic owned the patents for their batteries, and wouldn't let anyone else come close (except Ford, who licensed them for the Escape). I don't know as much about small electronics, but I'm guessing it isn't a much easier area to work in.

alain94040 17y ago
1) video on demand: sure, IP is the #1 issue, but Apple was able to pull it off for audio with iTunes. So it's at least as much of a marketing issue as an IP issue. I agree that technically, this problem has been solved by now. But who will have the marketing power of a Steve Jobs to make it happen? 2) batteries: I don't think IP is the main gating factor. If there was such technology, it would get deployed pretty quickly. So it sounds like technology hasn't solved that problem yet.
coryrc 17y ago
Actually, ChevronTexaco owns the patent: http://www.ev1.org/chevron.htm http://www.ev1.org/chevron.htm
smlacy 17y ago
<sarcasm>Well then clearly IPv6 will resolve these issues.</sarcasm>