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Microsoft Watching What You Watch
Arkham writes "According to this Wired article, Microsoft
has contracted with a company called Predictive Networks to track the viewing habits of Microsoft TV devices. The Predictive software creates a "Digital Silhouette" that is described as being able "to tell them that Joe watches a lot of baseball, likes Situation Comedies, and
responds favorably to commercials that use humor."." I've always said
that I'm cool with my Tivo tracking what I watch, provided it never tells
anyone my name and address to anyone.
If it meant I watched more
targetted advertisements, I'd fast forward less.
On Sky Digital TV in the UK, there are advertisments that carry an on screen reminder to 'click now' for a free sample. Clicking takes you to an advertiser's page that can then connect through your phone line to send your address details.
To step up to 'buy now' functions isn't that much of a stretch of the imagination.
This would be nice to have one day. On my PDA on the way home from work.
Computer, connect to SuperFoodMart and SmartShop database. What might I need today?
"You buy corn approximately every 14 days. It has been 8 days since you last bought corn."
Hmm. Nah, I do not need to purchase corn.
"You have bought milk 4 days ago. You normally buy milk every 6 days. Milk is on sale at SmartShop today for $3.48."
Ah, indeed. I will pick up milk today so I don't need to go get some over the weekend when it might not be on sale.
They're tracking the information anyways, we might as well use it. Interconnect multiple stores and you can find the cheapest deal in town. I'm not sure how practicle this application would be in real life, it might be too inaccurate or intrusive to work effectively.