We have the technology, but will consumers subscribe to the services? -- "Tiny TVs have been around for decades without having much impact. That's about to change, according to a new study from ABI Research. New technologies mean that in the next few years, mobile phone users will be able to watch high quality, full-motion video on their small screens. Subscribers will also be able to access linked content, and buy program-related products and services from their wireless service providers. Ken Hyers, the firm's principal analyst of global wireless operator research, says that the new services will be based on a one-to-many model like conventional broadcast TV, rather than using the restricted bandwidth of mobile data networks. Next month these digital video broadcast networks will launch in Japan and South Korea, with similar services to debut in the US, Europe and elsewhere in late 2006 or early 2007. The content will largely mimic that of the short clips now available from some mobile services: news headlines, sports, children's programs, drama Mobisodes and music videos."
What was once a simple, unidirectional flow of electricity from centralized power plants to passive consumers is evolving into a complex, intelligent network where millions of distributed resources actively participate in grid operations. This transformation, powered by smart grid technologies, represents one of the most significant infrastructure shifts of our time. It promises to reshape how we generate, distribute, and consume energy. At its core, the smart grid represents far more than mere digitization of existing infrastructure. This bi-directional capability is fundamental to understanding why smart grids are becoming the backbone of modern energy systems, facilitating everything from real-time demand response to the integration of renewable energy sources. Smart Grid Market Development By 2030, smart grid technologies are projected to cover nearly half of the global electrical grid, up dramatically from just 24 percent in 2025. This expansion is underpinned by explosive gr...