TV explores new interactive applications

Saul Hansell in the New York Times discusses the new approaches TV is making into the interactive age. DirecTV and Fios have both announced app stores modeled on Apple’s App Store. Pilots proved out that the user wants to interact at certain times when in front of the TV – so its not totally lean back, lean forward…. right! Now we have the potential for real traction in interactive with the cable companies backing a standard to enable applications nationally and the telcos launching TV services. The key challenges are still – what does the user want and how do we make money from new applications? It looks like revenue share is up for grabs again and both sides on slowly moving into interaction. 2010 – the year the TV goes interactive? comments welcome.