Cisco to kill Flip cameras and I own 4 of them: What to do now

I'm always counseling clients not to get too wedded to any one platform or device. Even if the company doesn't change hands or go out of business or discontinue a line, those features you love might well change as technology improves or design demands push the maker to do more (or less) with your beloved product.

You may feel free to read that paragraph back to me any time now, since Cisco announced this morning that it will be discontinuing the Flip ultralight camcorder. Not tweak, not upgrade. Just stop making it.

Flip cameras, the smallest HD camcorders, just got a load of upgrades including the long-awaited external microphone jack. I use them extensively for video and still photos--there's almost always one in my purse--and I find them especially effective in trainings, allowing participants to get involved in their own recordings when practicing presentations and speeches.

If I'm honest, this news isn't surprising. For starters, Cisco has been increasingly focusing on enterprises, not consumers. Your smartphone now can take better-than-average video: Witness these 7 films made entirely with smartphones. TechCrunch narrowed that down recently, predicting Flips wouldn't last long in an iPhone world.

So what should you do?

• Don't toss your Flips: While details aren't out, Cisco will be announcing a transition plan to support current owners. Don't expect too much from this, but don't panic and get rid of the camera(s) you own.
• Consider how you use the Flip:  If all I wanted was an opportunity to grab video of my pals, nieces or the scenery, my smartphone will more than do. But I'll be rethinking my use of Flips in group settings--such as my training sessions, where more than one person might need the camera, and not all participants are toting video-capable smartphones that work on the same platform. I may well hang on to them for this purpose, and you may want to as well if you supply cameras to a cadre of conference attendees, for example.
• Look for bargains: Amazon traditionally has the lowest prices for Flips and you may well find some amazing bargains for this discontinued item. Since the software's in the camera, you should be able to use the Flip for some time to come.

The short end of the story: Smartphone recording works fine for individuals, but might now scale for your communications operation, conference or other group activity. So I'll keep you updated on the Flip transition, and will start looking at other ultralight camcorders we can all try. Share your favorites--and your questions about this move--in the comments.

Related post: Your all-in-one on life after Flip: Analysis, advice and alternatives

Use the Evernote clip button, above, to save this post in an Evernote notebook. Subscribe to For Communications Directors, my free monthly newsletter, which features content before it appears here on the blog.