Using IM (instant messaging) to access application isn’t exactly new anymore.  Imified is a good a example.  But really, only geeks develop this, only geeks use this, and only geeks get excited by this. 

Remotely controlling applications by sending text messages through IM is essentially just a new protocol for telnet.

What is interesting is how this very old technology with a new face is slowly percolating from the geek world into the consumer world.  For instance, with Kwiry you send a quick message to control your Tivo.  Or, let’s say you remember a movie you want to see, by reading about it in a paper, seeing a billboard or even eavesdropping on a conversation, just text the name to your Netflix account and it will be on its way to your house.

What’s so great about this?  Couldn’t I just navigate to to the mobile version of Netflix to queue up that movie?  Well, what’s great is 1) so many people are already texting each other, texting is already a common behaviour while surfing the web on a tiny screen likely never will be, and 2) there is no navigating, no wasting time clicking on this or that widget to find the functionality you need — just text a name or a couple words — the end.

Welcome to telnet 2.0 (please note a bit of sarcasm here).

This entry was posted on Wednesday, January 14th, 2009 at 11:51 am and is filed under product-design, technologies, uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.