The year 2011 saw the lowest movie theater attendance in the past twenty years, according to TechCrunch.com. People are watching more streaming content through their computers and tablets than ever before, even during prime time viewing hours at home.
Tablets cannot offer the in-person communal experience of a movie theater, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t social. Many TV shows offer specialized apps to access exclusive, behind-the-scenes footage and a chance to communicate with other fans, staff and even stars.
Drive-In movies have gone the way of the dinosaurs, but with good wireless reception and a convertible you can relive those days without the distraction of latecomers or those who need to get back before curfew even if the movie’s still playing.
The interactive nature of any Internet device also allows advertisers to tailor their content to individuals, but this is not necessarily a good thing. A world where all commercials are aimed specifically at you based on past purchases and your current demographics means less chance of discovering something you didn’t know you needed until you saw it advertised.
Still, as ticket prices rise and Hollywood’s creativity seems limited to sequels and remakes, it will get harder for theaters to compete with the privacy, portability and exclusive content offered by tablets.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, a free app offered by Apple lets you use your iPad as a universal remote, ensuring that you never again have to hunt through sofa cushions to change the channel.
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