Yahoo! Jumps into Internet TV
Yahoo!’s Connected TV group has unveiled its next generation of technology and services for Internet-connected TV sets. The company has forged partnerships with CE manufacturers to launch a widget-based user experience for television that brings the Web to a range of living room devices. Powered by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, these devices are intended to enable the discovery and enjoyment of the Cinematic Internet via a new class of interactive applications called TV Widgets. TV Widgets are intended to enable Internet services and online media to reach viewers with applications specifically tailored to the needs of the television watcher.
In August, Yahoo! and Intel announced the Widget Channel, its joint initiative to foster innovation in the connected TV space. Building on that initiative, Yahoo! is announcing partnerships with CE manufacturers including Samsung, Sony, LG Electronics and VIZIO. Products produced by these partnerships are intended to enable the industry to bring an Internet and TV experience to millions of consumers globally, starting as early as the spring of 2009.