ConnecTV
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ConnecTV for iOS now lets you share Vine-like clips of TV shows
If GetGlue doesn't satiate your social TV-watching appetite, ConnecTV thinks it's latest app will -- particularly if you like Vine. ConnecTV's just launched the third iteration of its iOS application, which brings a new focus on sharing clips of live television shows. With the help of your device's microphone, the app recognizes what you're viewing and loads up the last minute or so of TV, allowing you to hand-pick a slice six seconds or shorter. With the footage selected, you'll be able to overlay text on the clip, preview it and share the results on Twitter and Facebook. In addition to snipping bits of video, users can peruse what others have created by thumbing through the app or hopping onto its companion website. While not all channels are supported, major networks and staples such as AMC and Discovery currently offer up their content. ConnecTV does have an Android counter part, but it's still hasn't been outfitted with the fresh features. To grab the app for your Cupertino-designed running iOS 6.1 or higher, jab the source link below.
ConnecTV adds SocialTV Timeline for mobile, puts chats with stars on a second screen
ConnecTV represents traditional TV producers' attempt at second screen content, and having that official blessing carries certain perks. Witness the platform's newly added SocialTV Timeline for mobile devices: the real-time, synced content feed provides not just expandable info, news and polls in line with ongoing fan conversations, but live chats with TV and sports personas during key shows and events. The SocialTV Timeline isn't limited to the avaialble iOS or web apps, either; there's support for syndicating it through other companies' mobile software and sites. The core ConnecTV apps remain free (if ad-supported), so those who've had an inclination to chat with an actor or NFL veteran just need to visit the relevant links to get started.
ConnecTV officially launches, gives you more ways to bug your buddies
We went hands-on with the ConnecTV app while it was in open beta earlier this year. Now the social TV app is officially, uh, official -- launching nationwide with backing from television's old guard. Although ConnecTV doesn't double as a remote a la Dijit or BuddyTV, it does play nice with Facebook and Twitter, allowing users to socially rave about Alton Brown's cherry couscous pudding or razz followers of a rival team while watching a game on TV. ConnecTV says the app also syncs with content from Apple TV, Boxee, Hulu, Netflix and Roku from the past seven days. Do note that "nationwide" currently means integrated content from 85 local stations across the US' top 40 TV markets. ConnecTV also plans to expand that number to 215 stations. The app is available for free for PC browsers and the Apple iPad, with iPhone and Android smartphone and tablet versions set for release within the next 45 days. For more details, feel free to dip your toes into the celebratory PR after the break.
ConnecTV social companion beta launches for iPad, PC and Mac (hands-on)
The old guard's attempt at a social TV companion just got real with the launch of ConnecTV in open beta for iPad, PC and Mac -- smartphones and Android tablet versions are coming soon. The idea is you'll load up this app while watching TV and find a whole new way to discover details of your favorite content while at the same time share with your friends. The app uses a mic to detect what you're watching just like IntoNow and links up with both Facebook or Twitter (it'll also work on its own). Overall we were underwhelmed and quickly realizing that the other startups are way ahead in both release date and functionality. For starters, there are plenty of channels missing and not a single channel number. You can't even search for your favorite shows or channels. But even when it did manage to figure out what we were watching, we felt like we were being forced fed useless data like trivia and ads rather than having useful information like actors or players names at our finger tips. There's no doubt in our mind that the app was designed more to make us discover certain content rather than discover shows based on our actual tastes. Then again, this is the first version out of the gate, and there's no reason to believe this isn't just the first step of many on the way to ConnecTV's vision of how we should enjoy our favorite shows.
TV broadcasters hope to dominate the second screen with ConnecTV
No one has quite figured it out yet, but there seems to be little doubt that tablet devices have their place on the couch to serve as a second screen while Americans enjoy their favorite past time -- watching TV. In addition to many independent startups we've discussed in the past, the old guard, that already owns most of broadcast TV stateside, has a startup of its own called ConnecTV. In development for two years already, ConnecTV is currently in beta and has the hopes to go live in January. The idea is of course to put what you might want to see on your second screen while you watch the main action on the big screen. This includes sports scores, statistics, as well as what your friends may or may-not be saying on Twitter or Facebook -- and of course advertising. We'd be shocked if most tablet owners weren't already using their slate in front of the TV and can imagine how many more might if there was a great app that brought it all together.
