BBC engineers are developing a prototype API to manage interactive dual- and multi-screen media content.
In a talk at the Open Mobile Summit, BBC research engineer Matt Hammond gave details of its Universal Control API, which aims to create a user interface standard for the integration of cross-platform devices.
According to Hammond, Universal Control will enable a co-ordinated interaction between TV, web content and home devices such as smartphones and tablet PCs, allowing for audience interaction with live events, for example.
A group of engineers at the BBC is working with the Autumn Watch programme to develop a complementary interactive tablet experience, Hammond revealed. This could, for example, serve information that changes depending on what point the viewer is at in a TV programme.
In a February blog post, senior BBC technologist Jerry Kramskoy said technology could create new interactive capabilities, including social media interactions and content migration between TV and mobile devices (such as a resume-for-home service that picks up viewing on the TV where it left off on mobile). It could also have significant implications for accessibility, by turning smartphones into speaking interfaces for blind users.
The news follows other recent dual-screen app projects, such as the launch of Heineken’s StarPlayer mobile game, which challenges players to anticipate the events of live Champions League games via an iPhone or Facebook app in return for points and a place on the leaderboard.
Originally published by NMA Fri, 10 Jun 2011 | By Thomas Robinson
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