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Which Widget Applications Did We Test?


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Which Widget Applications Did We Test?
Andy Tarczon, Founding Partner

November 2 , 2009

In our latest report, Widgets Gone Wild - Separating Killer Apps from Losers in the Age of Web TV, my colleagues examined consumer interest in 26 different widget applications for the television.  After receiving several questions on this report, we'd like to share which specific applications we tested - both from a literal description and how we label and refer to these services throughout the report.

Before we list them, however, it is important to note that there are several categories of applications we tested.  These include:

  1. Video Apps
  2. Music and Photo Apps
  3. On-Demand Information Apps
  4. Dynamic Ads and Media Clipping
  5. New media Apps

In addition to this report, we are including an additional research note that examines consumer interest in these apps based on current brand of television in the home.  For more information on this report and special pricing, please contact Greg Stockard or by calling +1 469.287.8050.

So, which apps did we test? 

  

Video Apps
Literal Description TDG Label
Ability to immediately find and watch episodes of Current Season TV shows that I may have missed or would like to see again On-Demand Access to Newer TV Programs
Ability to immediately find and watch online TV programs from a major network, such as NBC, CBS, HBO… On-Demand Access to Online TV Programs from Major Networks
Ability to immediately find and watch TV programs that are no longer on the air (older or cancelled series) On-Demand Access to Catalogue TV Programs
Access to a customized program guide that recommends TV shows I will like, and lets me watch them right away, or record them to watch later Personal Entertainment Guide (PEG)
Access to on-demand movies that I can watch immediately on my TV On-Demand Access to Movies
Access to a movie recommendation service that helps me find movies I’ll like, and lets me watch them right away on my TV Movie Recommendation Service
Ability to immediately find and watch TV shows or movies  using an online video library such as Comcast’s fancast.com, Hulu, or Joost On-Demand Access to Online Video Aggregators
Control access to certain kinds of content, for example, limit what your kids can watch when you’re not at home Parental Content Control
Link to TV program websites  while I am watching a favorite show so that I can watch  the show and interact with the web at the same time Real-Time Interactive Link between Web and TV Show
Ability to share recommendations for TV shows and movies with my family and friends (and see their recommendations) Shared Video Recommendations
Ability to immediately find and watch User Generated Videos on  sites such as YouTube On-Demand Access to UGC
Music & Photo Apps
Literal Description TDG Label
Access to online music sites (like Pandora or Jukebox) where I can listen to my favorite music on my TV or home stereo Access to Online Music Sites
Access to an online photo service (such as Flickr, Picasa, or PhotoBucket) so that I can view my stored digital photos, or photos of friends and family on my TV Access to Online Photo Services
Access to online music sites where I can purchase music I just heard on my favorite TV show Link between TV Shows & Music Sites for Purchase
On-Demand Information Apps
Literal Description TDG Label
Up to the minute weather information customized for your location, or other locations of interest  On-Demand Weather Updates
Up to the minute breaking news headlines or stories you are particularly interested in. On-Demand Breaking News
Real Time traffic updates including accidents and alternative routes customized to your usual travel or special trips On-Demand Traffic Updates
Up to the minute sports scores, and the ability to view game highlights from many different sports On-Demand Sports Updates
Up to the minute stock updates on the stocks you are most interested in On-Demand Stock Updates
Fantasy League updates on my specific teams and players On-Demand Fantasy Sports Updates
Dynamic Ads & Media Clipping Applications
Literal Description TDG Label
Get more detailed information about advertised products that intrigue me. Personalized Advertising
Easily capture sound bites from my favorite shows (theme song snippets, memorable lines) and send them to my mobile phone as a ring tone. Download Sound Clips from TV Shows for Ringtones
Download still images from movie or TV programs to use as wallpaper on my PC or mobile phone Download Images for Wallpaper
New Media Apps
Literal Description TDG Label
Ability to instant message text or video to my friends while watching TV TV-Based Instant Messaging
Access to e-Bay so I can manage my online auction activity without interrupting my TV programs TV Access to eBay
Access to online social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook TV Access to Social Networks

 



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About Andy Tarczon

Andy has spent the past 15 years in consumer computing concentrating on storage, media devices, and mobile systems. As Founding Partner, his focus is managing the corporate development team and working with TDG Members and clients to develop strategies for the digital media ecosystem.