Samsung and Yahoo have unveiled the next stage of Web/TV integration with the introduction of their "Internet@widget - Content Service".
In August 2008, Intel and Yahoo confirmed their intention to co-develop the Yahoo Widget Channel. Widget technology enables TVs to connect to the Internet through "widgets," bits of software that provided elements of web based content.
Samsung have confirmed that selected 2009 HDTV's will have the Yahoo Widget engine embedded in their panels, allowing access to the internet via Ethernet cable or a Wi-Fi USB dongle. If the widget engine is not embedded in TV's then a separate set-top box is required.
The Widget Channel will allow consumers to watch a rich set of “TV Widgets,” or small Internet applications designed to run alongside the regular TV schedule while bringing content and information through the remote control. Users will be able to carry out tasks such as e-mailing friends, trading shares or checking the weather while watching programmes. Sources of information for which the contributors will build their own widgets include;Flickr, Yahoo Weather, Yahoo News and Yahoo Finance, USA Today, eBay, YouTube.
Working in partnership with Yahoo! Samsung has already introduced 'InfoLive' on their Series 9 LCD TV's in the UK. InfoLive streams up-to-date information (news, weather and stock information) through RSS feeds, directly onto the TV using 'widgets'. The InfoLive service is operated direct from the TV's remote control and has been designed so as not to 'swamp' the screen with content. A tickertape of news items, share prices or weather forecasts runs in tandem with the current TV programme.
Read a review of the Samsung LE55A956
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