Is Joost the next big broadband thing?

Posted By on January 19, 2007

joost screenshotJoost Beta software and web application: Admittedly I don’t know enough about the technology being used in this Beta-only trial or if Joost is going to fly or not, but I know enough to say I’m interested in trying it. Two big names behind this project (originally called The Venice Projectâ„¢) are Niklas Zennstrom and Janus Friis. These are the guys who developed Skype, the voice over Internet protocol service, and they definitely understand how to uses technology this growing broadband world. The Internet TV project began in early 2006 and has now grown to 150 people in five countries. Its still to early to know if they have another winner on their hands, but I’ll venture to guess they do. If you want to know more, check out their website or blog.

I have a favor to ask: I’ve signed up as a Beta-tester, but unfortunately have been put in the ‘hold’ stack since there is probably overwhelming interest. If any of you are already approve beta testers and have a spare token, I’d love to give Joost a try.

What is Joostâ„¢? Here’s what their FAQs says:

Joostâ„¢ is a new way of watching TV on the internet, which uses new and established technologies to provide the best of both the internet and TV worlds. We’re in the process of making it as TV-like as we can, with programmes, channels and adverts. You can also see some things that we think will enhance the TV experience: searching for programmes and channels, for example, as well as social features like chat. There are many more new features to come!
Joost Confirmation

Comments

  • http://www.scusolar.org/sd2007.php Nora

    This project sounds very similar to TVu player’s product. However, do you know if Joost has live streaming videos, or is it a ‘rerun’ if you will of the actual tv programs? I know that TVu has a setup that allows any user to add to the channels that they provide, by uploading content or getting an adapter that allows their digital cable to be streamed thru their computer and to any user. TVu player is also in Beta form, but there is no wait to download it or become a user. Their website is http://www.tvunetworks.com if you want to try it out.

  • http://www.scusolar.org/sd2007.php Nora

    This project sounds very similar to TVu player’s product. However, do you know if Joost has live streaming videos, or is it a ‘rerun’ if you will of the actual tv programs? I know that TVu has a setup that allows any user to add to the channels that they provide, by uploading content or getting an adapter that allows their digital cable to be streamed thru their computer and to any user. TVu player is also in Beta form, but there is no wait to download it or become a user. Their website is http://www.tvunetworks.com if you want to try it out.

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    Joost is set up so you can select from a number of TV channels and offers an interactive layer feature on top of the channel while the program plays in the background. The quality (I am told) is full-screen high quality video and it layers Internet features such as chat, news feeds, remote and small built in applications right in the viewer.

    Since I have a Slingbox and have used Orb, I am excited to see what the bright minds at Joost can do. Thanks for the link above Nora … I’ll have to how it compares.

  • http://www.myarchive.us RichC

    Joost is set up so you can select from a number of TV channels and offers an interactive layer feature on top of the channel while the program plays in the background. The quality (I am told) is full-screen high quality video and it layers Internet features such as chat, news feeds, remote and small built in applications right in the viewer.

    Since I have a Slingbox and have used Orb, I am excited to see what the bright minds at Joost can do. Thanks for the link above Nora … I’ll have to how it compares.

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.