Intel announced a partnership with Yahoo to create a Widget Channel, an application framework optimized for TV and consumer electronic devices that are powered by the Intel architecture. The widget channel will allow the viewer to access relevant internet based content on their tv screen. The widget channel will allow developers to use Javascript, XML, HTML and Adobe Flash to create the application, which will enable them to provide their content on the PC and television.

These widgets will empower consumers to view related content such as videos, tracking stocks, sports teams, connecting with friends right from their television. In addition, the customization features included on this platform will be easy to use as they are based on internet services such as Yahoo! Finance, Yahoo! Sports, etc.

"TV will fundamentally change how we talk about, imagine and experience the Internet," said Eric Kim, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company's Digital Home Group. "No longer just a passive experience unless the viewer wants it that way, Intel and Yahoo! are proposing a way where the TV and Internet are as interactive, and seamless, as possible. Our close work has produced an exciting application framework upon which the industry can collaborate, innovate and differentiate. This effort is one of what we believe will be many exciting new ways to bring the Internet to the TV, and it really shows the potential of what consumers can look forward to."

The Widget Channel is based on the Yahoo! Widget Engine which will expose the functionality avaialble in the Intel architecture. The channel will use existing internet technologies which should allow developers to create applications in an efficient manner. A widget gallery will work with developers to showcase their application while consumers can select the application for installation on their device or televison set.

Intel's first CE IA-based SoC, the Intel® Media Processor CE 3100 (formerly "Canmore"), is a highly integrated chip which includes a high-performance IA core and other functional I/O blocks to enable high definition video decode and viewing, home-theater-quality audio, 3-D graphics, and the fusion of the Internet and TV experiences. The Widget Channel software framework is designed to work with a new generation of Internet-connected CE devices based on Intel's purpose built SoC. The hardware and software compatibility of IA also provides support for broadcast and Internet content.

Intel also plans to release the Intel Media Processor CE 3100-based hardware development system called the "Innovation Platform" which will provide the initial development and validation environment for developers of TV Widgets on the Widget Channel.

Yahoo and Intel are working with a range of industry-leading companies that are planning on developing and deploying TV Widgets, including Blockbuster*, CBS Interactive*, CinemaNow*, Cinequest*, Comcast*, Disney-ABC Television Group*, eBay*, GE*, Group M*, Joost*, MTV*, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.*, Schematic*, Showtime*, Toshiba* and Twitter*. These and other companies and individuals will be able to innovate, differentiate and deploy TV Widgets across multiple TV and related CE devices using the Widget Channel framework.

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