Playboy,Penthouse may make iPod videos

Friday, November 04, 2005

Statements released yesterday from Playboy Enterprises and Penthouse Media Group suggest that both mens magazines may produce adult video movies for portable video players such is Apple's New iPod.

Playboy and Penthouse, two of the best known names in mens magazines, have seen a steady decline in sales of their magazines since the introduction of VHS (and later DVD) movies, and the advent of broadband internet, which now has the capabilities to stream real-time 30fps video. Why settle for a still image on a page, when you can experience live action?

But amidst these announcements, I still must wonder whether iPorn will ever really catch on?

I remember not long ago when friends tried to convince me that adult images on a cell phone was going to be the Next Great Thing -- this never really happened. Sure you dont have to look very hard to find websites where you can download these risque images, videos, but most people would much rather view this material in the privacy of their own home, and on at least a 19" monitor if not a plasma screen television.



With the debut of the New iPod with video, the QVGA screen is now a little larger and much clearer quality than the cell phone displays, but my question still remains, how many people will want to hold their iPod a foot from their face with one hand, and do whatever they must with the other hand?!? And is this an activity that you want to do 'on-the-go' - which is the main selling feature of our beloved iPod player?

I'm sorry to say Playboy and Penthouse, but this will be a tough sell for several reasons. But Im also sure you will pick up a few dollars in the short term from the 'geeks' who embrace new technology of ALL forms -- because they have the ability to watch iPorn on their iPod, they believe makes them cool -- but even that novelty soon wears off.

I really dont see iPorn becoming the epidemic that some are hoping it will.