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Yahoo and Intel plan to change what they are most known for - the computer, and be known for an advancement in the television industry.  I will break this article up into two sections, one being about Yahoo and the other being about Intel. 

Yahoo and their Widget Channel

Yahoo is best in their Internet environment and so they plan to combine the Internet with the TV in efforts to expand the TV to more horizons.  Yahoo already showed some of what they wanted to achieve back in August, but come CES 2009, they plan to formally introduce what they have in mind, and it begins with the Widget Channel. 

They want people to have access to websites such as Flickr, in which they can browse as many photos as they want from the convenience of their living room.  In addition, they want people to be able to watch more videos online from places such as YouTube, or even more TV shows.  If they can achieve this, then they will also be able to employ more ads meaning more revenue for Yahoo.

Patrick Barry, vice president of Yahoo’s Connected TV initiative, had this to say:

“We do not see it as a niche offering in a few high-end models. We see this as moving into the mainstream. In 2009 we’re going to see good penetration into the product lineups of the consumer electronics companies. Beginning in 2010, I think, you’re going to see Internet-connected consumer electronics devices dominating the lineup.”

The nice thing that Yahoo plans to do is care more about the consumer and less about the profits that can be made.  They plan to make the Widget Channel more user-friendly at first and then slowly employ ads.  They realize that they need to make this popular at first, otherwise if it’s too ad-filled no one will use it and then it is one giant flop.  So, the question remains, will this take off?  We shall know a little more come CES 2009.

Intel and their microprocessor

Switching gears now, let’s take a look at what Intel plans to show off at CES 2009.  Microprocessors in the television industry are less than impressive and so Intel wants to change this and utilize their advanced microprocessors.  Again, they are best-known for their computer work, so they have to adjust to the TV and they did so in a funny way. 

They hired an anthropologist to study people and figure out how they use their TV.  They found that in America, people spend more 5 times more in front of the TV than computer.  Personally, I’m on the computer more than watching TV, but that’s just me.

Anyway, by studying what people like about their TV and what they want to change about their TV, Intel plans to create a microprocessor that can handle all these needs.  They are really taking the time to get in touch with the common consumer and satisfy his/her needs, similarly to Yahoo.  Again, the question of whether will this take off remains. 

Via [CNet]