There’s a trend coming that could lead to every living room having an iPad to use simultaneously while viewers watch TV. New apps from the ABC and CBS TV networks use push-to-iPad technology to show what is being done to make iPads a “must have” while watching the TV.
ABC TV’s new My Generation Sync app displays interactive content on the iPad when the TV show “My Generation” is airing. The iPad’s microphone listens to the show and synchs interactive features with the exact point of the TV show being watched. It takes about 10-15 seconds to sync.
Viewers can access information about characters, take quizzes, vote, get behind the scene info and use other such interactive functions. This application uses Media-Sync Technology to identify the episode and sync. It also works when watching an episode recorded on a DVR.
ABC said it will not track any of the user’s data and there is a preview at: http://abc.go.com/shows/my-generation/ipad. In May, Disney said iPad owners had downloaded 400,000 copies of its ABC app and played more than 1.5 million episodes.
CBS’ iPad app is called CBS Sports Pro Football App for iPad. It’s free and similar to CBS’ mobile Web site. Current scores are shown at the top of the screen. When the user scrolls down, the scoreboard remains on the screen. Users can connect to each game and see a diagram of the latest plays, an updated box score and player stats.
It’s a must have for fantasy football players who want to stay updated while watching games on the TV, letting them set lineups, add/drop players and watch video commentaries.
CBS Mobile senior VP and general manager Rob Gelick said, “Whether you are a dedicated fantasy player, or a pro football fan who wants the latest news about your favorite team, the CBS Sports Pro Football App for iPad delivers a great experience for everyone.”
The app was already available for the iPhone, Android and BlackBerry mobiles. Apple will add technology that’s needed to accelerate the trend with the release of iOS 4.2 in November.
Even before the iPad era, many TV viewers were already simultaneously using their PC and TV set. According to Nielsen’s March “Three Screens Report,” in Q4 2009, simultaneous use of the Internet while watching TV reached 3.5 hours per month, up 35% from the previous year. Nearly 60% of TV viewers use the Internet at least once a month while watching TV.
“The rise in simultaneous use of the Web and TV gives the viewer a unique on-screen and off-screen relationship with TV programming,” said Nielsen media product leader Matt O’Grady. “The initial fear was that Internet and mobile video and entertainment would slowly cannibalize traditional TV viewing, but the steady trend of increased TV viewership alongside expanded simultaneous usage argues something quite different.” Apps like those from ABC and CBS are sure to accelerate the trend.