Motorola has introduced a SocialTV service which will enable its smartphones and tablets to interact with television shows.
The Motorola SocialTV service could best be described as a television companion. While you’re watching your stories, this service will give you access to other content. That content will include social networking elements, exclusive content, chatting (eventually) and more.
“Consumers are increasingly using companion devices to augment their entertainment experience,” said John Burke, senior vice-president and general manager, Converged Experiences, Motorola Mobility, in a prepared statement. “Our SocialTV Companion Service is leveraging the convergence of companion devices, community and entertainment to create a more enjoyable and personalized experience for the consumer, while giving the service provider the ability to monetize that experience.”
It’s an interesting idea and we’ve seen this type of service before with the likes of Yap.TV and GetGlue. Motorola does have much more weight than those smaller app developers, so SocialTV may bring this interactive TV concept to the masses.
Of course, I understand the appeal of Twitter or chatrooms while watching a show or sports events but sometimes I find it a bit too much. I’m on the Internet all day long, so my boob tube time doesn’t always need to be connected. Still, I like having the option and look forward to seeing how the Motorola SocialTV service is implemented.
To be clear, this service is aimed at service providers, so it may take some time for this to be rolled out and there will be multiple skins to the Motorola SocialTV service. There’s no word on when we can expect this to be available on consumers devices but we’ll be keeping an eye on this one.
What do you think about the SocialTV idea? I think this is the inevitable next wave in television. How say you, friends?
