Intel To Launch Paid Web TV Service With Set-Top Box

New submitter kdryer39 writes "In an unexpected but kind-of-makes-sense move, chip-maker Intel has decided to delve into the TV world by creating a set-top box and a paid Internet television service. The box will contain an HD camera and microphone for various 'novel applications.' Intel expects to provide various live and on-demand content, as well as re-inventing the wheel by changing the way people search for content. How will they do this, and where will they get the content from? Unfortunately, we don't know...and apparently neither does Intel. Erik Hugger, head of the newly-created Intel Media group, has stated that negotiations with content providers are in process, but gave no specific details. Is this an effort for the company to re-invent itself? Perhaps, but either way, it'll be one of those things that will be interesting to follow as it develops." The "novel applications" for the on-board camera include identifying who's watching the TV and providing programming it thinks they'll like. At one point, Huggers said, "There's a scenario where the TV recognizes that it's you and says 'Hey, I know what you like. I know what you want to watch', versus the environment we're in today where the TV literally is not interested in you at all.' Maybe I'm getting old, but I like that my appliances aren't particularly interested in me. (Haven't they seen Maximum Overdrive?!)

Not going to happen.

[Frosty Piss]

Let me start off by predicting failure.

Look, itâ(TM)s been tried. Apple, Microsoft, others⦠The Cable Giants have the real estate, mind share, contracts with entertainment producers, and they are not giving it up. Indeed, many of the cable giants OWN the content producersâ¦

Not going to happen.

Re:Novel way of "The Big Brother Is WATCHING YOU"

[symbolset]

There is a camera you don't really control pointed at your face every time you talk on a smartphone. And another one covering the 180 degree opposite view too. They're putting them in TVs and other appliance devices now.

Re:Not going to happen.

[Anonymous Coward]

Same thing all over again.

First, all of you need to understand that world is a lot bigger than you think. USA is just a part of it, with it's cable networks. The rest of 7.7 billion people really do not dig this cable stuff. That is (partly) why torrent sharing is so successful.
Secondly, XBMC has already done it, and it is free.
Thirdly, thefact that big money does not want to back down simply means that we have not made them realise that they can not step in our living room as they please. Therefore, wote with your money, and things will go the way you want it.