Comcast to Work With Intel To Bring Interactive Applications To The TV

[Luke_Wilbur]

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSK, CMCSA), the nation’s leading provider of entertainment, information and communications, today announced that they are working with Intel Corporation to bring Internet Protocol (IP) based applications to the television experience set using a new technology co-developed by Intel and called the Widget Channel framework.

 

This technology, previewed today at Intel’s Fall Developer Conference, is an open software development framework that enables the ability to combine Internet-based applications with a TV experience through a widget-based user interface that can be easily accessed while watching television programs. The Widget Channel framework’s graphical user interface will let consumers click an onscreen widget to access and view a variety of Internet-based applications or content such as weather updates, news, games, and other -interactive applications on their TV.

 

Comcast and Intel expect to begin integration testing of The Widget Channel framework in the first half of 2009 on Comcast’s interactive program guide using tru2way™ technology, a Java-based platform with open API specifications, that’s being built into televisions, set-top boxes, and other devices. Tru2way technology enables application developers to “write” interactive applications once and see them run successfully on any cable television system or device that supports the specification.

 

“The Widget Channel enables interactive applications and tru2way technology has opened the door for these types of innovations to work in the cable industry,” said Tony Werner, chief technology officer, Comcast Cable. “We’re looking forward to working with Intel as we continue to bring our customers new features and services that further enhance their viewing experiences.”

 

“The success of the Widget Channel framework relies heavily on the support of industry-leaders like Comcast,” said Eric Kim, Intel Corporation senior vice president and general manager of the company’s Digital Home Group. “We feel this support will foster innovation and help bring new and exciting Internet widgets to millions of television sets across the country.”

 

This announcement marks another important milestone in the evolution of the tru2way ecosystem. The Widget Channel framework will complement tru2way technology and the companies expect it will broaden the developer community and enhance the user experience.