WiTV - Will It Be Better Than Joost?

You are probably already thinking that, right now, it wouldn't take much to be better than Joost, considering that it is still in beta and experiencing problems. But, I am thinking in terms of a true competitor for the service that is after the same audience and the same media corporations for attention.

Babelgum decided to aim towards a more independent crowd, while Joost aimed straight for the big media companies for content and advertising. Now, according to WebTVWire, “WiTV is planning a head on collision with Joost by competition for the media giants.”

Even though WiTV has yet to be released, the screenshots pretty much speak for themselves and show spectacular video quality and a well-designed, friendly user interface. A sneak preview now has uncovered some of the additional features that WiTV is planning to offer.

This upcoming service is the brainchild of Mirco Pasqualini of CrossCast System, who was also on the team that built the StreamCast player. Chris Tew was able to talk briefly with Mr. Pasqualini back in June when he revealed that WiTV was a “top secret” project in the works.

More details have now been discovered. Different from Joost, WiTV will be a browser-based application that will not require a download (making it compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux systems). Also unlike Joost, WiTV will distribute videos from a central server, opting not to include the P2P ability. This could, however, lead to future issues with scalability.

Videos are organized by channels and the interface seems to be simple and better organized than Joost. Expect WiTV to include the ability to download and view your programming on a variety of devices including iPods, PDAs, cell phones and game consoles. This feature and the wide variety of platforms should help to bolster WiTV's appeal over its competition.

Perhaps one of the most interesting features, is the integration with Skype and other messaging programs. This will allow users to chat with other viewers while they are watching programming. As you can see in the screenshot below, there is a Skype button built right in.

The potentially bad news for WiTV is the fact that CrossCast is based in Lecco, Italy. This certainly could help build the European audience, but it could inhibit the service's approach in the states to both an audience and the major U.S. media companies.

Hopefully WiTV will be able to learn from the mistakes that have been made at Joost and create a well-planned and well-executed online video experience.

Does WiTV have what it takes to be better than Joost? Definitely. Will they be able to accomplish this? Only time will tell.

Take a look at the complete sneak preview and let me know what you think about this new service? Will you be waiting to use it?