Wasn't there a moment about ten years ago when we thought the next wave of the Internet would arrive on our televisions?
A new wave is on the horizon, now that more homes have large flat-panel HDTVs!
With interactive TV programming and the buzz about anywhere, anytime TV on our mobile devices, it just seems right to have a chance to snuggle up with loved ones around the family room HDTV and experience some happy web-sharing moments, as depicted in the cozy picture below from the WebTaps website:
So how do you interact with the giant web? According to information on the website, you can use your wireless mouse, your TV remote control, or choose from one of the following devices, available for purchase from the WebTaps Accessories Store:
There is too much to summarize, so here is a copy of the press release, from
Steaming Media:
WebTaps Releases HDTV Web Browser
WebTaps announces the availability of the first HDTV web browser with integrated intelligent virtual keyboard and screen scaling technology
Rockville, Maryland (December 17, 2009) -
WebTaps, a developer of web browsing software for HDTVs and touch screen PCs, today announced the availability of the WebTaps HDTV Web Browser. The browser is designed to be used from across the room in a TV viewing environment to augment or replace the content otherwise available on the HDTV. WebTaps offers the only HDTV web browser that automatically scales web content to the full size of the HDTV screen and includes a truly intelligent virtual keyboard. The patent-pending intelligent virtual keyboard knows when and where to appear on-screen so that text can be easily entered while watching from across the room.
"WebTaps has finally brought the full internet, including access to every website, to the biggest and best screen in the home - the HDTV," said Scott Lincke, CEO of WebTaps. "WebTaps enables people to sit back and comfortably access great sites like Hulu.com, Facebook, YouTube, and Google. They can easily find content and sit back to watch together with their friends and family instead of staring at a laptop screen. WebTaps really transforms how people can use their HDTV by bringing an infinite supply of content, unlimited by their cable company or over-the-air TV signal."
To get started, users of PC-connected HDTVs download the free software installer from www.WebTaps.com. No user signup is required. The user simply selects their country and language and the software is ready to use. A localized content guide is presented, showing great content sites. Alternately, users can enter any web address or search any of the leading search engines.
WebTaps plans to distribute its products through retailers and PC OEMs in 2010. "We are pleased by the reaction to our products," said Scott Lincke. "Web browsing on HDTVs saves people money spent on premium services and they tell us that it gives them even more functionality than their DVR since they don't have to think ahead about what they want to record. Suddenly anything available on the web can be watched on their big screen TV."
WebTaps HDTV Web Browser product evaluation kits are available for qualified press personnel. In addition, WebTaps will have representatives available to answer further questions at the Consumer Electronics Show in January, 2010. Please contact WebTaps at pr@WebTaps.com for more information.
###
About WebTaps Inc.
WebTaps Inc. develops technology and products that enable web browsing on HDTVs and touch-screen PCs. The company offers its solutions for sale directly to consumers and for licensing to PC OEMs and service providers. WebTaps standard version is available as a free download. Additionally a premium version is available with or without a WebTaps wireless remote control. Further information about WebTaps and the WebTaps HDTV Web Browser can be found at www.WebTaps.com.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
WEBTAPS INC.
Editorial Contact:
Scott Lincke
(202) 713-5620
pr@WebTaps.com
