Yahoo’s Widget Channel to Fill the TV Void
Posted by Peter Jackson @ August 22nd, 2008 in Video Advertising
Yahoo + Intel = TV?
Yahoo has teamed up with Intel to create a new TV experience that looks to blur the lines between TV and Internet. Unlike internet TV channels that require users to have a PC the ‘Widget Channel’ will be available on a TV with the help of a new chip designed by Intel. The CE3100 chip, or to use the codename ‘canmore’ (get it…can + more…very clever), will give viewers a more interactive experience with a plethora of widgets that will allow users to check the latest weather, stock prices, sports scores, news headlines and who know what else. The chip will allow for high definition viewing, high quality audio, 3D graphics and internet connectivity (as well as open source third party application development) and will hope to change the way people watch their beloved TVs.
Interactive Telly
The fusion of TV and internet is inevitable. The success of interactive TVs and online platforms such as BBC’s iPlayer have shown that users like the flexibility that online TV offers such as being able to watch programs when you want, the ability to fast forward advertisement breaks, and the ability to pick and choose your own TV schedule.
Stop Me Fast Forwarding
The widget channel wants to build on this flexibility to offer live applications to their viewers as well as video on demand and picture in picture capabilities delivering a futuristic television package for viewers.
“Advertising is sold more effectively on TV. The problem with TV is that everyone sees the same ad.”
Irwin Gotlieb, chief executive of ad management company GroupM
As the poetic quote above indicates the plan for Yahoo is obviously to bolster advertising revenues through The Widget Channel, but I wonder how they will ensure users watch advertisements (after all the best thing I find about internet/interactive TV is the ability to fast forward the ads).
The Future is Widget Based
This may all be leading to a bit of information overload; will it be possible to sit down and just watch a movie or episode of your favourite TV programme without being bombarded with endless advertisements and a barrage of widget based information. I guess The Widget Channel is a model for the future of TV and as long as the user has control over the various ads and widgets I’m sure it will change the way we use and view television.
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Comments
smithsan
August 23rd, 2008
“On the PC and mobile devices, Yahoo! is a leading starting point for millions of consumers around the world,” said Marco Boerries, executive vice president, Connected Life, Yahoo! Inc. “Yahoo! aims to extend this leadership to the emerging world of Internet-connected TV, which we call the Cinematic Internet™. By partnering with leaders like Intel, we plan to combine the Internet benefits of open user choice.
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smithsan
Internet Marketing
Kevin
March 5th, 2009
This is so amazing I think I?m going to cry. And great write up! Thanks :)