Apps on TVs worth it or pointless?

[admin_exported]

Ok I will admit I do not own a mobile phone, let alone one with apps, or even a mp3 player or a games console.

The CES2010 videos proclaim the big thing with displays this year is 3D and Apps. I kind of get the idea of 3D but mention apps and I meet you with a blind uncomprehending stare. Sell me on Apps and for that matter Blu-rays with Java and interactivity. They do not leap out at me as things I want on a TV, if I want interactivity I use a personal computer, if I wanted a games console I would own one. So in a few years will I be happly using all these apps what ever they are, or just reading the news and letters pages on what ever passes as teletext in the future.

 

[Clare Newsome]

If you don't own a mobile, let alone one with apps, it may be trickier to explain their appeal...but i'll give it a go.

Want to know the weather forecast? You could wait for the news to come on, or log online to BBC Weather - or instantly access a weather app on your TV (even while still watching TV) that you can configure to your precise location(s)/requirements. No other device required; no interuption to your viewing.

Maybe while your kids are hogging the TV with their kids shows, you'd like to keep an eye on the news/sports headlines: an app could bring you a news ticker along the bottom of the picture.

Then there's the more sophisticated applications, such as HD video conferencing, plus gaming, movie/music streaming and more.

It's all about the TV becoming the hub of your home entertainment. Increasingly, the computer has taken over that role, and the manufacturers of TV sets would like it back

 

[Anonymous]

I can see the point of a news ticker, or ftse ticker on the bottom of the screen like some news channels have. Would it work when you are watching blu-rays or only when you are watching a tv station, and would you be able to make the ticker more specific keyed to show only what intrests you.

 

[Andrew Everard]

Given the fact it's not tied to broadcast TV, it could just as easily be run while watching external sources such as a Blu-ray player.

 

[Clare Newsome]

Yep - LG, Samsung, Pana and others talking about sources being app-friendly, too.

And yes, the best apps are customisable.

 

[Andrew Everard]

So it may be possible to get those apps on your existing TV, just by adding an appable Blu-ray player or home cinema system...

 

[Clare Newsome]

Assuming the player (and/or the TV?) is internet-connected, yes.

 

[Alec]

I was going to vote "pointless" but they seem quite good in a way...

 

[Anonymous]

In my experience the common customer does not fall for it. They expect their computer on the screen. What they get is clunky but flashy looking version of text. This is here in The Netherlands. If they truly want all the apps they are more suitable to buying a mini pc besides it, like a Macmini, then buy a TV with apps. Like the Samsung line with and without the stuff, I believe this was the lcd edge LED series 6000 & 7000. The price was not justifiable.

And a remote is not good at handling input text.

In short I too am not conviced of the power of Apps. It feels like feature creep.