My Cart - Watching TV used to be considered an immersive activity between viewers and the broadcasted show, but mobile devices like smartphones and tablets have changed this relationship considerably. Second screen technology has been on the rise for the past few years, enabling TV viewers to turn their TV viewing experience into an interactive activity.
An Enhanced TV Viewing Experience
Nielsen conducted a study in 2013 on second screen usage in smartphone and tablet owners. Participants reported that with second screens they enjoy television more when social media becomes involved when watching TV. Social media has a big impact in making viewers more aware of programs they can watch.
LG offers a remote app enabling users to remote control their smart TV from their smartphone or tablet. This simplifies Netflix searches, for example, where you can more easily input information in search boxes through a mobile device rather than using the letter grid.
Apps have been developed to enhance our TV experience: AMC’s app, for eample, turns watching The Walking Dead into a social interaction. You can see sneak peeks, interviews, and trailers of new episodes easily. The Story Sync feature allows you to vote in episode polls and exchange comments live, while the latest episode is playing.
A Change in Video Games
The concept of second screens in gaming has become more popular in the past years, but it’s not a new trend. Multiple screens have been used for the past three decades; in 1982 Nintendo released a popular handheld series featuring two separate LCD screens in a clamshell configuration.
Nintendo 64 Transfer Pak in the 90s was able to transfer data between Game Boy and N64 cartridges. Only some titles like Pokémon Stadium, supported this technology; the game used the Transfer Pak to import specific Pokémon from game Boy carts to be used on the home console.
Released in 2012, Xbox Smartglass is an app that transforms your mobile phone or your tablet into a second screen. This companion application for the Xbox One and the Xbox 360 is compatible with Windows 8, Windows Phone, Apple iOS, and Android. Xbox Smartglass aids users in managing their television experience. This app transforms gaming into a more interactive experience, turning mobile devices into second screens and remote controllers that allow user to view game statistics.
In Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag, players are able to play the full game on console and use their iPad as a map to help them navigate. Ubisoft is committed to improving the gaming experience with the continuous use of a companion app. This app provides support to the console game by extending the game and the brand outside of the house.
The Pip-Boy app for Fallout 4 connects to the game and it allows you to check your stats and status while you’re not playing. You can also see a map, your inventory and pretty much everything you can see in-game in an efficient way.
Whether you’re looking for a cheap 50” TV to experience the wonders of second screens, here at Electronic World we have a wide range of TVs to enhance your home. You can contact us on 0121 327 3273 to speak with our friendly team, who will happily help you find your perfect TV.
Let us know how you use second screens while watching TV on our Facebook and Twitter pages!
