Two of Seattle’s biggest Internet companies, InfoSpace and Microsoft, today announced an agreement to integrate and extend InfoSpace’s broadband services and interactive TV applications to the Microsoft TV platform.
At this week’s NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives) 2001 Conference and Exhibition in Las Vegas, InfoSpace will demonstrate a customized financial iTV application developed on the Microsoft TV platform.
InfoSpace’s iTV application, developed for a major financial news network, allows for access to a personalized stock portfolio and other interactive functions.
“InfoSpace understands that the ability to develop rich, interactive content for enhanced TV is critical for the industry’s success,” says David Witus, director of content programs, Microsoft TV platform group.
“They’re just the type of forward-looking, capable partner we are eager to work with to energize content development activity for enhanced TV services. By working with companies such as InfoSpace to help them develop enhanced TV content ready to run on the Microsoft TV platform, we can help speed the availability of compelling enhanced TV programming and services to consumers.”
InfoSpace is also participating in the Microsoft TV Content Builder Initiative, which was announced today. The CBI provides selected companies that are currently active in advanced iTV development with the opportunity to use a Motorola DCT 5000+ advanced set-top terminal, to further develop, test and evaluate their applications and programming using the Microsoft TV advanced client software.
The CBI, along with the newest version of the Content Developer Kit, is part of the Microsoft TV Content Developers Program, making it possible to create enhanced TV services and made-for-TV Web content on the Microsoft TV platform.
