Stephen Downes

I'm not sure if it's the world's first but the concept is cool enough to include in today's newsletter. Viewers watching a rock concert video shown simultaneously across 9 venues interact with the producers using their cell phones. The results of this interaction - polls on the fan's favorite songs, for example - are displayed live on the screen. The concept is called ecinema. "This event showcases a new way for bands to connect with their fans. It empowers the artist as well as the audience. We expect interactivity to be a major audience draw and a key element in the roll-out of ecinema." No kidding.