http://www.techradar.com/news/world-of- ... tvs-647766



OK, being interrupted while watching TV is annoying, being interrupted by a hyper Ballmer will just be traumatic

Especially if there's kids in the room

Maybe people do, but I've often wondered if enough research is done to find out if people actually want functions like this, enough for it not to cost the earth and therefore be niche...

I think that'll revolutionise advertising - who's been really interested in an advert for something only to not follow it up at all once the next attack of light and sound comes onto the screen? Would be great if we can just point at the product and have another screen (Possibly PiP, we'll have even massive-er screens by then!) bring up details of the product/service whilst you continue to watch and you can even save it until later.

Or what about someone particularly atrocious coming on xfactor? The amount of times i've been playing a game only to have my housemates shout up the stairs "YOU HAVE TO SEE THIS! QUICK! QUICK!" is uncountable, and if they could just send me the feed of what's happening on their screen to my second monitor I could continue gaming and not miss out on what they want me to see (and will inevitably bombard me with later) or alternatively not rush downstairs to see some crap on TV/miss the crap on TV that I have interest in whatsoever).

It could get annoying with inconsiderate friends though ^_^

I personally could do without all that - I go out of my way to avoid ads and I get kinda blunt with people who try to tell me about Mutant X-Factor...

So, you are watching TV with your girlfriend, parents and kids... Whose data is displayed on the TV?

The kids... Who else would be arsed with it all?

I can see this fizzling out, or becoming a standard. It just depends if the price is right and the infrastructure is there. Otherwise it'll be a 'great' idea before it's time.

I'm not sure about it, but the world is moving more and more into that direction of computing.

Sorry -I don’t get it. I feel a right tool talking to my computer anyway - even when I’m using it for Skype or recording video tutorials. I just feel awkward. TAlking to my TV? Err. Hmm.

I don't particularly want TV's that can facilitate two-way interaction..it sounds a bit like those screens they had in Nineteen Eighty Four that they weren't allowed to cover up...

You mean Telescreens

I think that Ballmer's correct on a very important underlying point. At present, in order to use technologies and especially to link them together, one has to get intimately involved with the nuts and bolts of the technology. For instance, using a media centre PC is such a technical exercise that, in at least the couple of years, few people are likely to install one or, indeed, to be able to install one.

If these very good technologies are going to gain wider usage then the designer needs to make sure the end user not only doesn't see drives or folders, formats or codecs etc. but also shouldn't ever have to worry about linking equipment with or without cables. At the moment it's all just too complicated for the vast majority of people. Hell, I'm an electronics engineer and even I get confused.

QFT.

Anything that makes the true capability of modern communications more accessible is most welcome. I think my granny might actually MSN me if she could do it by shouting at the telly.

The last thing I want when I’m watching telly is someone shouting at me through it. This is being sold as a way for people to get talking to friends and relatives, but just wait for the direct advertising to get to you.

Just worry when Kleenex get into the fray...