Coming out of “stealth” mode with a launch that includes write-ups on both TechCrunch and NewTeeVee is Flingo.tv.
The core mission of Flingo.tv is to make the TV watching experience more interactive. To achieve that it has been working with television set manufacturers for years to integrate its technology into those sets as well as other set-top devices.
Flingo.tv does a number of things, some designed to enhance the viewer experience and some to allow for advertisers to offer more immediate information on their products.
First, people will be able to “fling” online video that they’re interested in watching to their TV sets using bookmarklets. That lets the audience choose what screen they want to watch something on. With a recent Yahoo study showing that not only are people watching online video during prime time more regularly but are also watching longer videos when they’re online this feature will likely be quite popular.
Second, networks and producers will be able to create apps that allow for the viewer experience to be more customized. That means Twitter conversation streams, pop-up information on plot points or other enhancements to the show itself will be available is those in the audience decide to access them.
Finally, advertisers will be able to create similar apps that would allow people to request more information immediately on a product being shown. This could help drive more brand interaction on the spur of the moment rather than hoping someone remembers to do so later on.
Flingo.tv is launching with dozens of content partners – including Blip.tv – already on board. It’s not surprising that so many companies would be interested in making the TV experience more interactive since it encourages people to continue using that big box instead of shifting their viewing habits over to other platforms. And it brings with it many of the interactive features people have been gravitating toward as they use their mobile devices or computers at the same time they’re watching TV.
Do you have a Flingo.tv-enabled TV and have you played around with it yet? If so leave a comment with your experiences.
