More and more, hardware vendors are finding that Web 2.0 technologies can be a good way to improve the end user experience of their devices. For example, Netgear (NTGR) said today it’s inked a deal with San Jose, Calif.-based Pramati to bundle ReadyNAS Photos, an adapted version of Pramati’s Dekoh Photos, that allows people to share photos right off their NAS device. (see screenshot.) Although I need to take a closer look at this before passing any judgment, the demo that the guys behind Dekoh gave me when I met with them last year was impressive.
Netgear isn’t the first hardware company to get on the Web 2.0 bandwagon. Maxtor back in 2006 teamed up with Fabrik and bundled MyFabrik service and software with its drives. Fabrik has since bought Simpletech, a drive and peripherals company. And last year, RCA teamed up with Box.net for its Small Wonder video camera. Of course, the company that has embraced Web 2.0 more than any other is GPS/Internet navigation device maker Dash.
Given that Web 2.0 technologies are well-suited for improving user experience, I hope this trend catches on and makes some of today’s digital devices even easier to use. I wonder what gadget gurus David Pogue, Walt Mossberg and my former boss, Josh Quittner, now a columnist for Time Magazine, have to say about it.
PS: If there are any more examples, let me know and I can add them to the list.
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1:38 AM PT
[...] More and more, hardware vendors are finding that Web 2.0 technologies can be a good way to improve the end user experience of their devices…read posting by Om Malik. [...]
4:09 PM PT
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3 comments so far
9:38 AM PT
I would also mention TomTom, the GPS manufacturer, who developped MapSahre, a Web 2.0 map correction feature.
Each and every TomTom user is now capable of correcting his maps and share these corrections with all other users.
7:23 AM PT
I find it logical that hardwares related to photo sharing adopt the web 2.0 point of view. I mean it is not “photo sharing” if you don’t actually share it with your community.
12:38 AM PT
I really don’t understand the significance or importance that a hardware device helps me share pictures. Maybe I will see some interesting application in the future but for now I don’t think I need it? :P
I was told from a friend this in summary of what is significant, “Dekoh simplifies setup required to make NAS content accessible from outside internet, even when the NAS is behind firewall or DSL (no static IP address). Earlier, home users had to install additional open source software, obtain dynamic IP, open ports, etc.”
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