Privacy advocates have warned consumers of burgeoning dangers posed by the interactive TV industry, where companies are planning to collect massive amounts of personal data.
Some of the largest makers of chips and interactive TV software have teamed to design Linux-based set-top boxes, aiming to create a lower-cost product than that from software giant Microsoft. Motorola and Pace Micro Technology represent the set-top box makers in the 24-member venture, dubbed TV Linux Alliance. By creating a standardised framework for Linux-based software for interactive TV, the alliance hopes to bring the technology to market more quickly and with lower development costs and fewer integration issues than by working alone. "The current operating systems were not particularly built to foresee such developments'' as increased processing power and memory capacity, particularly when manufacturers begin adding more networking interfaces and peripheral devices to set-top boxes, Mitchell Kertzman, CEO of Liberate Technologies, said at a news conference. The alliance includes Microsoft's rivals in the interactive television market, such as Liberate Technologies, OpenTV and ACTV, in addition to chipmakers STMicroelectronics, Conexant Systems and Broadcom. Other participants include Sun Microsystems; digital video recorder makers TiVo and ReplayTV; high-speed Internet company Excite@Home, whose investors include cable operators AT&T, Comcast and Cox Communications; and Lineo, a developer of Linux operating systems. Jerry Krasner, executive director of Electronic Market Forecasters noted that the alliance "should keep competition at the operating system layer thriving.'' Broadcom recently announced that it has developed a blueprint for set-top boxes that will use Microsoft's most advanced interactive TV software.
Communications chipmaker Broadcom has developed a blueprint for set-top boxes that will use Microsoft's most advanced interactive TV software.
Microsoft has signed a deal with Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. to build an upgraded version of its UltimateTV interactive-television technology with the broadcasting giant.
SBS has become the first national Australian broadcaster to be involved with interactive television, announcing it has joined the ranks of ICE Interactive's regional iTV pilot scheme in country New South Wales.
Managing Director of Sun Microsoystems Australasia Jim Hassell talks about future directions for the company in the face of tough markets and increased competition.
Stan James has purchased EMC storage networking technology through Dell, to better serve customers in its shops, online and through call centres.
New proposals for creating and viewing Web pages are coming in fast and furious shortly after the status quo was challenged by Microsoft's aborted attempt to reject competing browsers.
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Corporate spin may get in the way, but the message is always there. If only we could work out what it is.
In a relatively short time frame, you may be able to use your TV to rent software on demand, browse the Web hassle-free, and vote somebody off the island.
Converging technology has turned fridges into televisions, and phones into cameras, but just how far will convergence take us?
Interactive online computer gaming is widely touted at the next big thing for games consoles. ZDNet Australia peers into the future of online, interactive fun.
Macromedia is including the Pocket PC in its strategy of leaving the browser behind.
The Whistler preview focused on the start-up screen, which allows for easy switching between user profiles without rebooting, a scanner and camera "wizard" that simplifies storing and distributing digital photos and enhanced networking capabilities for running all those devices throughout the home.
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