ABC, Nielsen iPad app offers first-ever live TV sync
updated 11:45 am EDT, Thu September 16, 2010
ABC My Generation iPad app 1st to sync live TV
ABC today put out the first mobile app known to sync directly with a live TV show. My Generation for the iPad (free, App Store) changes in real time with the TV show of the name through audio watermarking technology from Nielsen. By listening to cues from the show with the iPad's built-in mic, the app can provide background knowledge, polls and trivia games as the show progresses, without spoiling the rest of the episode.
As it's based on audio, the app can not only catch the show on its first airing but also through a DVR or even from an Internet source like ABC's website or iTunes.
Nielsen expects other networks to adopt the technology, known as the Media Sync Platform, sometime early in 2011. It's not known if other ABC shows will get similar treatment, or if Nielsen anticipates bringing TV show syncing to the iPhone or non-Apple platforms like Android. Apple chief Steve Jobs is the largest individual investor in ABC's parent company Disney and may have influence over what platforms the network supports. [via THR]
