Are Inovent and the Ilumina for Real?
By Rico, 2:02 am Mon Dec 1 2008 - Editorial, Events - 11 Opinions
After declaring that they would put the Philippines in the global map through, Inovent yesterday unveiled a prototype of the Ilumina. According to the press release, the “LCD interactive television (iTV) set” features an LCD display, hard drive, the ability to record TV shows, play music and video, and web-surfing capability. Pricing and availability info to follow as soon as they’re available.
While some wonder if Inovent and the Ilumina are real, there is genuine hope that this distinctively-Filipino project succeeds. Aware that they’re up against established foreign brands, Inovent’s founders have been vocal about the company’s Filipino nature, trying to pique local interest through nationalistic tidbits and a focus on the development team’s expertise.
Marketing the End of a “Heroes’ Journey”
Examples of this marketing approach include scheduling the Ilumina prototype’s launch on Andres Bonifacio’s 145th birthday, and highlighting the team members’ education at top Filipino schools. Inovent even revealed that the Ilumina development process was codenamed “Project Faith”, “which pretty much expressed the amount of faith we would need to pull this impossible stunt off”.
So far, Inovent’s publicity has been vague, relying on words like “Revolution” and “The Heroes’ Journey” in an attempt to inspire, without any specifics. That is a reason behind the skepticism over the company’s prospects, with one complaining that it all “seems like a lot of chest beating and not enough substance”—even as he was “really hoping they win over the local market.”
Suspicion and Hope
That pretty much sums up my feelings about Inovent and the Ilumina. I may have my own misgivings, but I desperately want the Philippines to become more competitive from a consumer electronics point of view—it is possible, and imagine the economic benefits! Inovent is currently the best hope of that happening (as far as I know), and unless they totally screw-up, they can count on my support.
For its part, let’s hope Inovent presents a transparent front more accepting of criticism. No doubt, the typical and suspicion of Filipino-made products will prove painful. But within the rough of crab mentality (”lang kwenta naman yan eh!”) are diamonds of great insights and advice. And being more open will convince more people that Inovent and the Ilumina are for real.
Ade
11:11 am Mon Dec 1 2008
I sure hope it’s real. Let it be real.
Inovent’s Ilumina Launches With Nationalistic Marketing
11:11 pm Mon Dec 1 2008
[...] in the Philippines, a tech-startup named Inovent recently unveiled a prototype of the Ilumina, an “LCD interactive TV” that promises web browsing, video and music playback, and [...]
jayvee f.
6:06 pm Tue Dec 2 2008
if we were in a recession and the gov’t had 25 billion pesos for a bail out strategy, i’d tell them to give several million to these guys. they’re innovating.
Rico
6:06 pm Tue Dec 2 2008
Honestly, I prefer they remain independent. For some reason, government money sounds like government interference.
Tomas
4:04 am Wed Dec 3 2008
Proud to be Filipino. If this product made it to the U.S, I would surely buy it. Happy to see the tag made in the Philippines. Besides its a television, web tv and tivo all in one package
Ilumina LCD iTVs: All-in-one PCs with a twist — Electronic Pulp
11:11 am Wed Dec 3 2008
[...] Inovent Revolution via Technograph [...]
MANOLO JIMENEZ JR
7:07 pm Wed Dec 3 2008
SIR,
IF ALL OF YOU HAVE A SOLID BELIEVES AND ‘NO MATER WHAT DETERMINATION’ THEN I GO WITH YOU….TO £20,000 INVESTMENT.
COMPLETELY SINCERITY,
MANOLO
niel
8:08 pm Thu Dec 4 2008
these guys are great… but to be honest, they may not able to make it internationally neither locally coz i think pilipino made product are not world class and foreign countries know that.
ley-o
10:10 pm Tue Dec 9 2008
we Filipino’s must support this product when it comes out in the market…
AGBJR7
3:03 pm Wed Dec 17 2008
First I want to congratulate you guys for this cutting edge innovation. I am just concerned about heating problems that could arise for prolonged use. And with such a slim and compact housing, im curious if there is consistent air circulation and proper ventilation for the heat to be released. I remember PS4 and xbox 360 encountered overheating problems when it first came out.
umaasa
4:04 am Tue Aug 25 2009
asan na kayo? bakit puro marketing lang?