The next big thing (part 3): zeebox

This is part 3 of my review of the TV revolution unfolding.  Part 2 is here, part 1 here. 

So, everyone potentially has something to gain from this revolution if they really 'get' the value of connecting TV viewers with RELEVANT and CONTEXTUAL stuff from the Web.  And clearly any disruption like this creates opportunity for new entrants.  So far we've seen a plethora of (mostly US-based) start-ups targeting small slivers of the opportunity: social TV check-in services like GetGlue; TV content recognition services like IntoNow (acquired by Yahoo); and efforts to enable synchronised advertising like SecondScreen Networks. 

What most of these efforts have in common is that they are building relationships with individual brands or shows to distribute content or special offers.  This is a great way to help large companies engage with social media, but it's not particularly scalable based on current evidence.  What the ventures I've seen seem to really lack is (a) an integrated approach to giving consumers what they so clearly want (information, social, e-commerce), and (b) a true understanding of live TV CONTEXT as the basis for making the right connections to the Web.  

We can do better.  Much much better.

[Warning: shameless plug follows.  What can I say? - I'm convinced and excited.]

We’re zeebox, TV’s new best friend.  

zeebox is the new way to watch television.  A, social, immersive, interactive, amazing way to watch television.

zeebox is your TV sidekick

zeebox is a free app and web service that’s with you on your laptop or iPad while you watch TV.  It knows what you’re watching, right now.  Not only that, it shows you what your friends are watching.  It can give you more information about what’s on your TV, instantly.  It lets you buy and download relevant stuff.  It can tell you what shows are most popular, in real-time.  It’s like a quiet, cool, well-connected and unbelievably clever companion, right there on the sofa next to you.

zeebox is social

Because zeebox knows what you and your friends are watching, you can all share.  Think they’ll enjoy what you’re watching?  Invite them to join you.  Wonder what they’re gawking at?  Switch over and sneak a look.  And you can all chat together, while you watch.  Splutter over what Pat just said on EastEnders.  Voice your own commentary during the match.  Share your disbelief about the score Craig just gave on Strictly.  zeebox is even integrated with Twitter, so you can tweet about what’s going on.  

zeebox is clever

zeebox doesn’t just know what you’re watching, it understands.  So when it picks up references to things on a show, like Tom Cruise, armadillos, Late Victorian sideboards or Usain Bolt, it puts them up as zeetags.  Hit the zeetag and it brings you the lowdown, from Wikipedia, Google or anywhere else you want to go on the web.  It can even detect if your TV is Internet-connected – and if so, act as your remote control.  Like we said, clever.

zeebox is everything

So, zeebox can do some pretty amazing things.  But that’s not all, not even close.  Say you’re watching Stephen Fry plugging his new book.  Want to read it? No problem - right there is a link to download it from iTunes.  Apps, games, music, books, films, TV shows – if it’s related to what you’re watching, zeebox can help you buy it, easily.  Anything and everything – if it's on the Web it's at your fingertips. 

zeebox. The best thing to happen to TV since TV. 

zeebox is a website and an iPad app.  iPhone soon to follow.

zeebox go! from zeebox on Vimeo.

Comments

[baby gates]

hmm..Nice review. I've never heard of this zeebox until now. Pretty neat.

[Tax Software Reviews]

Very informative. Thank you!

[James Kaufman]

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