At CES, MySpace chats up the Widget Channel
[CNET News]
I had to skip my usual trek to the CES this year because I'm recovering from foot surgery. I am, however, trying to keep up with the news from Las Vegas.
MySpace is coming to your television screen. The popular social networking site is promoting its partnership with Intel and Yahoo's Widget Channel. For televisions compatible with the Widget Channel, users can install a MySpace widget. The MySpace widget gives users access to MySpace profiles, status, messaging, and other social networking features.
So, whie you're watching the big game, you can update your MySpace page, message your MySpace friends, and check their pages. All from the same television.
Consumers Union: Delay DTV Transition [Multichannel News]
Consumers Union is asking Congress to delay the long-scheduled February 17th deadline for the digital television transition. Consumers Union is basing the request on the news that the federal government's digital converter box coupon program has halted sending out coupons due to federal accounting laws. The digital converter coupons allow households that receive over-the-air television broadcasts to receive a $40 discount on the purchase of a digital converter box.
The National Association of Broadcasters is requesting that Congress either increase budget for the converter box coupon program or relax the accounting rules that have halted the coupon distribution. There's no mention in this article when or if Congress might act on either of these proposals, and we're just 42 days away from the digital transition.
Show of Hands: Gestures Control Hitachi TV [NewTeeVee]
Here's a case of your TV watching you! Hitachi is unveiling a television that allows users to control it via hand gestures. Using a technology provided by an interesting company called Gesturetek, a sensor on the Hitachi television sets can recognize simple hand gestures. Wave at the television to turn it on, change channels by swiping your hand right or left, and so on.
Now, get this one -- According to this article, Gesturetek can even recognize different members of the family, remember their favorite channels and preferences, and tune to their favorite channel when they enter the room.
Does this mean I have to keep everyone from walking into the room when the Giants are playing the Eagles this Sunday?
Vizio takes the cover off Connected HDTV: Netflix, Blockbuster, Amazon, Yahoo! and more [EngadgetHD]
Vizio is becoming the newest television manufacturer to incorporate the ability to stream online video directly to its televisions. Vizio's newest line of televisions promise to connect to a wide range on online content providers, including Netflix, Blockbuster, and Amazon's Video On Demand library. Users have the option of connecting their broadband connection to the television with a 802.11 N wi-fi connection.
I noticed that my Roku box recently was automatically updated to make room for more content suppliers. Originally configured just for Netflix, I recently reported that Amazon and others will soon be available as well. Just remember, you'll need a fast broadband connection and your local cable operator is best equipped to deliver that to you.
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