Kids control the story in Netflix’s new interactive shows

After months of rumors and speculation, Netflix is officially taking the wraps off of its new interactive shows for kids. The company is calling its new type of programming "branching narratives," since viewers can control certain aspects of the stor...

Twitch toys with the idea of chat-controlled TV shows

It sounds like Twitch doesn't want its new sneaker show to be its only stab at interactive programming. In the eyes of chief operating officer Kevin Lin, the ideal TV experience on the platform would be one where the story changes from one episode to...

‘BioShock’ creator takes on ‘The Twilight Zone’ interactive drama

Ken Levine, best known as the mastermind behind Take-Two's BioShock series, is working on an interactive live-action film based on The Twilight Zone, Wired reports. Levine will write and direct the project, and audience members will be able to contro...

All Sony connected TVs to get Ensequence tech in 2013 to serve up contextual content

All Sony connected TVs to get Ensequence tech in 2013 to serve up contextual content

Not getting your fill of connected TV action with contextual content and ads appearing alongside your soaps? Your hunger could be satisfied by picking up a Sony-made television in 2013, as Hirai and Co. have inked a multi-year deal with the folks at Ensequence to bake software for such experiences into all of their connected TVs starting next year. Ensequence leverages the automatic content recognition tech inside Sony's sets and provides a platform for content producers and advertisers to sling up everything from relevant coupons to trivia games on displays. If you watched the 2012 Olympics through Verizon FiOS, chances are you've glimpsed the company's technology in action. Proud owners of connected TVs made by Sony between 2011 and 2012 won't be left out of the contextual content bonanza, however, as a software update packing Ensequence's secret sauce will be available. For more details, and prognostications regarding the future of internet-savvy televisions, hit the jump for the press release.

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Source: Ensequence

BBC introduces Red Button to the internet, thinks they’ll be great pals

BBC to introduce Red Button to the internet, thinks they'll be great pals

Since 1999, the BBC's Red Button feature has delivered alternative camera angles, sports scores and the like over broadcast spectrum, but it's now set to become internet enabled. Channel surfers shouldn't expect a full-blown web experience, however, as the Beebs stresses it's not about to include everything and the kitchen sink in terms of functionality. Rather, their Connected Red Button aims for simplicity. Punching the clicker could bring up the iPlayer to catch previous episodes of shows or save recipes from a cooking program for later viewing on a computer or smartphone. Companion screen experiences such as the Antiques Roadshow app, which is slated for a September release, are also part of their web-connected roadmap. Mum's the word on when these new features might roll out, but we're promised the BBC's Olympics coverage will give us a taste of what's to come.

BBC introduces Red Button to the internet, thinks they'll be great pals originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 11:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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TiVo and PayPal let you buy stuff using your remote, hopes you swing past the shopping channel

TiVo and PayPal let you buy stuff using your remote, hopes you swing past the shopping channel

Those late-night adverts for a steam-powered ab-crunching bagel toaster (just $400, plus $99 postage and packing!) will soon be much harder to resist, thanks to TiVo. The DVR maker has teamed up with PayPal to enable you to purchase goods with your remote control during the commercial. A global financial meltdown will probably ensue just as soon as the company can get compatible adverts developed, currently slated to begin airing during this year's fall TV season.

Update: According to PayPal, it's also "exploring" opportunities with Comcast, although discussions are still in early stages.

Continue reading TiVo and PayPal let you buy stuff using your remote, hopes you swing past the shopping channel

TiVo and PayPal let you buy stuff using your remote, hopes you swing past the shopping channel originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 13:52:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interactive Game of Thrones content comes to HBO Go iPad app

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Home Box Office has been pushing its "interactive viewing experience" for Game of Thrones over at the HBO Go site, but if you weren't sitting in front of a computer there was no way to take part in the fantasy world fun. Now the premium channel is bringing the commentary tracks, interviews, maps and loads of other extra features to the Go iPad app. But, having that content available for season one isn't particularly exciting. What has our little nerd hearts aflutter is that all of the same features will be available for season two, starting immediately with the April 1st premier. As you watch, if the seemingly bottomless well of characters and their rival houses trip you up, you'll be able to pull up a guide to help you separate your Arryns from your Tullys and Redwynes. For a quick preview check out the video and PR after the break.

Continue reading Interactive Game of Thrones content comes to HBO Go iPad app

Interactive Game of Thrones content comes to HBO Go iPad app originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 19:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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