LG and the new owners of Phillips TV, TP Vision, have today announced they have joined forces and partnered to create the new Smart TV Alliance. This alliance is being formed to help create a “non-proprietary ecosystem” that will benefit both developers and consumers alike.
Together with SDKs for developers to be able to create applications for Smart TV based on standards such as HTML5, the Smart TV Alliance aims to streamline the development process and foster innovation. Bong-seok Kwon of LG Electronics, President of Smart TV Alliance, explains more about the Smart TV Alliance and its goals.
“Before today, the Smart TV industry was a very difficult market for both TV manufacturers and application developers as TVs from different brands used different platforms and technologies,”-“Smart TV Alliance creates a larger playing field which encourages developers to create more and better TV applications at the same time giving manufacturers and consumers the richest source of movies-on-demand, music services, games, social networking and more.”
Benefits for Developers and Consumers
The Smart TV Alliance is planning to make the first version of its software development kit (SDK) available from its website. This will allow developers to download and install the SDK at no cost, enabling them to create and help develop Smart TV applications. The SDK will be based on open standards like HTML5, which is widely used and understood by developers, making it easier for them to create cross-platform applications.
For consumers, this means a richer and more diverse selection of applications available on their Smart TVs. Whether it’s movies-on-demand, music services, games, or social networking, the Smart TV Alliance aims to provide a comprehensive ecosystem that enhances the user experience. By standardizing the development process, the Alliance hopes to eliminate the fragmentation that has plagued the Smart TV market, making it easier for consumers to access high-quality content regardless of the brand of their TV.
Future Developments and Expansion
With an SDK 2.0 already in the works and expected to be launched towards the end of the year, the Smart TV Alliance is looking to the future. The new SDK will be designed for use with apps on 2013 TV sets from participating Alliance members, further expanding the reach and capabilities of Smart TV applications. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the Alliance remains at the cutting edge of technology, continually improving and adapting to meet the needs of both developers and consumers.
In addition to LG and TP Vision, the Smart TV Alliance is open to other manufacturers and developers who wish to join. By bringing more players into the fold, the Alliance aims to create a truly global and inclusive ecosystem. This collaborative approach not only benefits the members of the Alliance but also drives innovation and competition in the Smart TV market, ultimately leading to better products and services for consumers.
The Smart TV Alliance represents a significant step forward in the evolution of Smart TVs. By creating a non-proprietary ecosystem and providing developers with the tools they need to succeed, the Alliance is poised to revolutionize the way we interact with our televisions. As more manufacturers and developers join the Alliance, the potential for new and exciting applications is limitless.
Source: Engadget
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