Monty's Gaming and Wireless Outlook - Issue 187

The backlash against Pop Idol-style TV shows has begun. Last season, Supergirl Voice was watched by 400 million (!) people, a third of the population, and the authorities are not happy because the winner is chosen by popular vote - text messaging.

The Chinese government have now ordered TV producers to 'avoid creating stars' and help construct 'a harmonious socialist society'. Mmm, sensible. Other regimes may have had the sense to run a series of feel-good political broadcasts during the show knowing most of the country would be watching, but that's what happens when you're going to take over the world and can do what you like.

Meanwhile, over in North America, American Idol continues to knock 'em dead. A couple of years ago, this show singlehandedly took SMS to the masses and taught Americans how to send messages. Furthermore, it probably started the big Catch-Up when Europe lost its lead in mobile data and entertainment and the US took over.

This point was reiterated earlier this week at CTIA when Cingular's Jim Ryan stood up and told his audience exactly that. He also said the word 'stuff' about a million times - I bet he drives his missus mad. But can anybody hear the gentle sound of a baton being dropped and one hand clapping?

Maybe. Cingular's offering of mobile video content seemed a little samey. A bit cable, a bit Freeview if you know what I mean. Elsewhere, fascinating companies such as Helio and Amp'd Mobile are grabbing market share by giving their customers original 'stuff' (are you listening, Jim?) and not just repackaging branded content.

Helio's deal with online site MySpace takes mobile social networking to a new level and represents the future. Amp'd Mobile are even cooler - their offices were the location of CTU in the first series of 24 and there's going to be more than one executive who's going to be impressed by that.

Consequently, carriers such as Cingular look like paunchy middle-aged men driving sportscars casting envious eyes at young men who don't have a car but get all the attention. And unlike China, the carriers can't tell these upstarts how to behave. Interesting times lie ahead.