By Michael Lantz, CEO, Accedo (stand 39)

Social TV is one of the most promising categories of TV apps, however it comes with a number of challenges. If done well, it provides a wealth of opportunities for operators, device manufacturers, and content providers alike. Indeed, we truly believe that Social TV can and will be a runaway success if developers and broadcasters approach it in the right way. (more…)

TV apps are moving quickly from a novelty feature on some internet-enabled HDTVs and a few cabe systems to what will soon be a standard capability. Forrester is predicting that 43 million homes will have connected TVs by 2015 leading to a huge predicted growth in revenues from apps on TVs.

But what is the current state of the TV apps market and how can developers; IPTV providers and manufacturers make sure they are part of its future growth?

Apps World Europe (29-30 November, London) is the only mobile event to dedicate an entire day of the agenda to the development of TV apps. The TV app track will focus on the growth of the TV apps business, monetising TV apps, alterations to viewing habits, the convergence of tablets and TV and the implications for content providers. Speakers include leading experts from BT, Deutsche Telekom, BSkyB, Zeebox, Shazam, Rovi, Skinkers, Accedo Broadband, Samsung,  and Orange. (more…)

“The rapid growth of the Web-enabled CE devices are the foundation for a vibrant TV Widget Market, which is projected to 83.4 million by 2014.”

In-Stat June 2010

Other research findings by In-Stat include:
•    By 2013, TV applications have the potential to generate over $1.7 billion in annual revenue
•    Households with adults under 40 years of age have the highest interest in using TV widgets
•    Screen control, news and entertainment information have broad appeal across all age groups
•    TV widgets, such as multi-session games, are highly valued by small user segments.  These represent a significant revenue opportunity
•    There is substantial interest in TV widgets that enable local online purchases, such as pizza delivery or movie tickets
•    Viewing YouTube videos on the TV are favoured only by households in the 18-24 age group

Discover more about the evolving App Platform that is TV at Apps World, Apps TV Workshop Zone