Sending emails and checking Twitter through your TV? Yes, it can be done!
26th August 2008
Yahoo and Intel have joined together to start to create a Widget channel that will enable TV viewers to add certain Internet favourites to the small screen. This will mean that TV viewers do not have to go onto their computers to email friends, check the weather reports or access the new social network on the block, Twitter.
Intel is quick to insist this is not a computer through a TV, but it goes far beyond anything that has been tried before. When this has been tried in the past it was not so successful, as the Internet applications prevented people using the TV for the main reason it was invented, watching programmes. It will not interrupt it again, and people can enjoy the two mediums at the same time.
The Widget channel will appear as a tool bar at the bottom of the TV screen, with options for the viewer to choose from, so as not obscuring the programme that is taking place at the same time. It also means advertising could be taken to a whole new level. Advertising giant GroupM forsee this widget channel enabling advertisers to tailor what each TV viewer sees, matching their tastes.
However, the US is going to be the first country to test this out, as it will be available to consumers mid to late 2009. We will have to wait and see about how successful, useful and benefical it turns out to be as I am sure the Americans will be quick to praise or criticise it.
