Intel, Yahoo Launch Widget Channel for TV Devices
“Honey, let’s see what’s on the Widget Channel.” That dialog is what Intel and Yahoo are hoping for with their announcement Wednesday of an application framework for TVs and other consumer devices called The Widget Channel.
The companies said the framework is optimized for consumer equipment with Intel architecture. The channel is designed to allow users to access and use rich Net applications, even while watching TV programs.
Yahoo’s Widget Engine
Yahoo’s Widget Engine will capability the channel. It describes the engine as a fifth-generation platform for the delivery of small Net applications that can offer substance and community features via a remote control. On the hardware side, Intel said the software framework is intended to work on a new generation of consumer devices based on its system-on-a-chip media processors. These devices can include optical media players, set-top boxes, digital TVs, and others.
Using widgets, users can selectively watch videos, follow stocks or sports teams, communicate with
The channel plus could open up TVs and other consumer electronics devices to third-party developers using JavaScript, XML, HTML and Adobe Flash. Intel and Yahoo said they will form a development kit available and offer a Widget Gallery where outside developers can publish.
Yahoo will feed the channel with its branded mini-applications. Major companies are developing widgets as well, including CBS Interactive, CinemaNow, Comcast, Disney-ABC Television Group, eBay, GE, Samsung, Showtime, Toshiba, Twitter and others.
‘Cinematic Internet’
Eric Kim, Intel senior vice president and general manager of its digital home group, said the alliance will help TV to “fundamentally change how we talk about, imagine and experience the Web.” He added that The Widget Channel will allow TV to move beyond being a…
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