Ubers As A Subscription Service And More On CHOM 97.7 FM

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Every Monday morning at 7:10 am, I am a guest contributor on CHOM 97.7 FM radio out of Montreal (home base). It’s not a long segment – about 10 minutes every week – about everything that is happening in the world of technology and digital media. The good folks at CHOM 97.7 FM are posting these segments weekly on i Heart Radio, if you’re interested in hearing more of me blathering away about what’s going on in the digital world. I’m really excited about this opportunity, because this is the radio station that I grew up listening to, and it really is a fun treat to be invited to the Mornings Rock with Terry DiMonte morning show. The segment is called, CTRL ALT Delete with Mitch Joel.

This week we discussed:

  • What does the future of television look like? Will consumers be frustrated by a lot of different subscription services? How does this all play out?
  • Speaking of subscription services, Uber is getting into the business as well. A monthly pass will combine, Uber, UberEats, their Jump bikes and scooters. While this is in a “pilot phase,” Uber sees this as the future. The pass costs $24.99 per month, and it includes a fixed discount on every ride, free Uber Eats delivery, free Jump (bikes and scooters). Seems like a great business model.
  • I love Wikipedia. It’s not perfect, but I love it. Writers will often get residencies at colleges, universities and even museums (sometimes even businesses). Well, PhD candidate, Amber Berson, is here – in Montreal – as a Wikipedian-in-residence for Concordia. This is strange, because you can’t be paid to write for Wikipedia, so what will Amber do? According to a CBC News article, “It’s about working with faculty and students to understand how they can best use and contribute to something that is touching everybody… If we’re not using it in a way that allows us to contribute what we’re doing… then we’re missing out on a huge opportunity.” Digital literacy is a huge issue in society today, maybe having a Wikipedia-in-residence will catch on. Regardless, it’s nice to see this kind of innovation here, at home. 
  • App of the Week: Learning Synths.