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Yahoo! Connected TV store will let developers start charging for apps in March 2011
Yahoo! has been building its Connected TV widget platform up since debuting at CES 2009 and opening up its SDK in 2010, and it's already getting started on a new push for 2011 - paid apps. Right now the various TVs from Samsung, Sony, VIZIO, Toshiba and LG based on its platform only offer free widgets but the Connected TV Store is expected to launch in March, letting developers hawk their wares at the remote-wielding masses for anywhere from 99 cents to $99, with Yahoo! receiving a 30 percent cut for its trouble. Kadoo, PlayJam, Virtual Nerd, ScreenDreams, Accedo Broadband and Mycast weather are already testing the waters and the company promises a full demo at CES 2011. Since we figure it's only a matter of time until Apple works its app store into the Apple TV, Google has already announced its plans to add the Market to Google TV next year and everyone from Samsung to Boxee is actively courting developers in the living room, 2011 should be a very interesting year.
Poll: Did you buy an internet connected HDTV?
One last followup on the trends of CES '09, last time we checked about 20% of you were at least thinking about grabbing a new HDTV with internet features last year. Of course, that was before VIZIO's XVT 55-inch was delayed and we were slightly disappointed by the widget performance on Samsung's LED model and desires cooled off a bit. So, how many of you are currently watching the conference championships on screens with Ethernet or WiFi hookups embedded in them? Anyone actually tweeting or pulling in Facebook updates via their remote? According to what we saw this year, televisions acting as embedded platforms for more services is a trend that will keep growing, but how is it working out so far? %Poll-40460%
CinemaNow to offer flicks via a Yahoo! Widget this fall
Just in case you were wondering how Blockbuster was so easily sliding onto Samsung televisions, Sonic Solutions officially announced its plan to launch a Yahoo! Widget this fall, so we should expect to see the many CinemaNow powered online movie houses like Blockbuster, Lionsgate and Warner Bros. and upcoming efforts from Best Buy and Zip.ca popping up in menus for internet connected TVs and set-top boxes all over.
Samsung 6000 / 7000 and Sony BRAVIA V-series LCDs appear on Bestbuy.com
Tthe new HDTVs from CES 2009 are almost upon us, with new Samsungs and a few Sony BRAVIAs popping up on Best Buy's website with the pricetags and shipping dates we've been waiting for. Samsung's 55-inch Internet@TV widget enabled, LED-backlit 7100 model has a pricetag of $3,799, although we couldn't get any indication when to expect one in our neck of the woods. The 46-inch 6000 series model checks in at $2,799 and is due in early April, with assorted sizes falling in from there, including selections from the older CCFL backlit 6 series line. Checking for a Sony V-Series BRAVIA or the 32-inch XBR9? They're up as well, with a $2,399 pricetag on the 52-inch KDL-52V5100 due in stores March 22, although the Internet enabled sets are nowhere to be found. Take another look at our video of widgets in action before deciding, if the benefits of LED backlighting are cause to upgrade this spring are you ready to chip in $200 extra (the price difference between Samsung's Yahoo! widget packing 7000 series and old school Infolink RSS 6000 series models) to Twitter on your TV?[Thanks, Deen & Best Buy Employee]
CES showfloor HDTV spyshot roundup
We've been busy shutterbugs while wandering around the CES showfloor, and here's a rundown of some new TVs that drifted in front of our lens. Take a stroll with us past the break and see what we picked up.
