A new San Francisco startup is enhancing the way that programming will be experienced by viewers.
A startup called SeeSpace, that is based in San Francisco, is now pursuing a new venture called InAir that would bring television together with web content in a highly unique way that uses augmented reality.
This would provide a virtually seamless and highly informational viewing experience.
This would function by presenting television programming alongside web content related to what was being seen. For example, Through the use of augmented reality, a viewer would be able to enjoy a program that talked about the Mars colony that is being planned for the near future, and could simultaneously access information from the official Mars One human settlement website.
The team behind InAir believes that this augmented reality experience could eliminate the need for second screens.
This method of presenting both kinds of content at the same time could reduce or eliminate the need for a viewer to need to use additional devices such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops in order to obtain information about a show that they are currently viewing. Portable and mobile devices have made this type of multitasking a very popular activity while watching television, and this new technology could help to make it easier and more direct.
SeeSpace is referring to the InAir service as the first augmented television experience because it would be the first one to use the technology in its truest sense. Combining the use of the service with a 3D television would make it possible for the additional content to appear to float in front of the television screen, while the program continues to be displayed as usual. This would give a type of layered experience, where the additional information is shown in front of the regularly playing program.
When combined with Leap Motion, Kinect, or a free Android or iOS app, it would allow the augmented reality content to be manipulated with simple hand gestures from the viewers. Furthermore, InAir will also have a software development kit (SDK) that will give mobile development companies and experts the chance to broaden the capabilities of the service.
Leaked documents suggest that Twitter is looking to establish itself in mobile shopping
Twitter may be preparing to jump into the mobile commerce game. According to leaked documents obtained by the UK Telegraph, the social network may soon make it possible for its 232 million users to purchase products directly from their mobile devices. The documents suggest that the service would be called Twitter Commerce, but there are not indications when this service would be made available for certain. Moreover, the leaked documents cannot necessarily be considered accurate and they could be nothing more than simple rumors.
Documents imply that Twitter has partnered with Fancy
The leaked documents suggest that the social network’s mobile commerce endeavors will come to fruition through a partnership with Fancy, an e-commerce merchant. Fancy counts Jack Dorsey, Twitter’s founder, as one of its prominent investors and board members. While this does not indicate Twitter’s absolute interest in mobile shopping, it does help establish a solid connection between the social network and Fancy. The leaked documents show mock-ups concerning how Twitter users would purchase products directly from product tweets that include a button that says “buy with Fancy.”
Twitter retains a strong focus on the mobile sector
Twitter has a strong interest in the mobile sector, but not necessarily commerce. The social network has done little in the way of directly supporting mobile payments and shopping, but Twitter has been working on ways to monetize its mobile interests. Facebook recently discovered the benefits of mobile commerce and how to integrate mobile shopping into its network and Twitter may soon follow suit. Indeed, this may be the beginning of a new trend in social media, wherein social networks begin to play a bigger role in the commerce space.
Mobile competition is already fierce
While Twitter may show an interest in mobile commerce, it will have to find a way to compete with organizations that already have a strong presence in that sector. The commerce space is awash with competition from various small firms and some large companies, including Google. Apple is rumored to be looking to enter into the mobile commerce space as well, which will add further competition to the crowded field.
