Intel To Launch Paid Web TV Service With Set-Top Box

New submitter kdryer39 writes "In an unexpected but kind-of-makes-sense move, chip-maker Intel has decided to delve into the TV world by creating a set-top box and a paid Internet television service. The box will contain an HD camera and microphone for various 'novel applications.' Intel expects to provide various live and on-demand content, as well as re-inventing the wheel by changing the way people search for content. How will they do this, and where will they get the content from? Unfortunately, we don't know...and apparently neither does Intel. Erik Hugger, head of the newly-created Intel Media group, has stated that negotiations with content providers are in process, but gave no specific details. Is this an effort for the company to re-invent itself? Perhaps, but either way, it'll be one of those things that will be interesting to follow as it develops." The "novel applications" for the on-board camera include identifying who's watching the TV and providing programming it thinks they'll like. At one point, Huggers said, "There's a scenario where the TV recognizes that it's you and says 'Hey, I know what you like. I know what you want to watch', versus the environment we're in today where the TV literally is not interested in you at all.' Maybe I'm getting old, but I like that my appliances aren't particularly interested in me. (Haven't they seen Maximum Overdrive?!)

Comments

Not going to happen.

[Frosty Piss]

Let me start off by predicting failure.

Look, itâ(TM)s been tried. Apple, Microsoft, others⦠The Cable Giants have the real estate, mind share, contracts with entertainment producers, and they are not giving it up. Indeed, many of the cable giants OWN the content producersâ¦

Not going to happen.

Re:Not going to happen.

[Stan92057]

I know i wont buy one i don't want my TV spying on me. I know what i want to watch and when i don't , I enjoy flicking through the channels. I don't need yet another advertiser spying on what i do and try to tell me its for my own good. Nope not happening

Re:Not going to happen.

[Hamsterdan]

And those giants are also ISPs, so don't think they'll give higher caps so you can stream their competition

Oh great. Just what I needed.

[paiute]

"Hi there! This is Bippy, your personal interactive video helper! I see you have your pants off! Shall I show you what's on Cinemax?"

Stalking

[Master Moose]

This open us up to a whole new way of stalking!

No more will we be going through people's garbage to find out about them. We will pint out pictures of their faces, wear them as masks and see what they like watching when they are alone.

Hmm its 6 o'clock, I wonder what Natalie Portman would like to watch?

Network them!

[deimtee]

If they talked to each other they could play your preferences wherever you are. Think of the fun when you are visiting family and the TV starts playing.
"Is that yours?"
"Nope, not mine. Dad?"
"Never seen it before"
"Uncle Fred have you been watching this stuff?"
"Uh-uh, not me, I don't like midgets"
All together : "GRAAAANDMAAAA!!! "

"Set Top Box" Makes No Sense

[Arcady13]

Look. We all have flat panel televisions now. Exactly how are we supposed to put these boxes on top of them?

You need to call these something else.

Under set box?
Accessory box?
Smart TV box?

Or start building a shelf on top of the TV.

Re:Novel way of "The Big Brother Is WATCHING YOU"

[symbolset]

There is a camera you don't really control pointed at your face every time you talk on a smartphone. And another one covering the 180 degree opposite view too. They're putting them in TVs and other appliance devices now.