January 12, 2009 by James Oliver
A few days ago we reported that Yahoo were to team up with television makers to provide a range of internet services through television sets. The move was exactly the kind of bold, ‘game changing’ kind of thing that was required of Yahoo, who have been faltering to say the least recently after a horrific 2008 that saw their lifesaving deal with Google disintegrate and a Microsoft buyout fall through, along with general staff losses and cutbacks.
We have a few more details on exactly what Yahoo’s planning now: the software, that has been developed by Intel and Yahoo, will be loaded onto new TVs and right off the bat will allow access to popular web pages and tools alongside regular TV programmes. Beyond that around 20 different ‘widgets’ will be available to download. These widgets will provide you with information on weather, stocks, etc. There is also scope for third parties to create widgets which can then be submitted to the “Widget Gallery,” much like the app store.
The gamble is big, but then again, what does Yahoo have to lose? By all accounts if they keep going the way they are they’re doomed. Plus, this looks like real winner. How many times have you had your laptop out while watching TV?
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