DISH ups the ante on “social” television today with the introduction of Hopper functionality that wraps video within Twitter stats and social feeds:
The new Social app is accessible via DISH’s “quick launch” bar (to access, press the blue button on remote control) on the Hopper. Customers can link up to four Twitter and four Facebook accounts to the app. Viewers have three options for the type of content displayed in the status bar, which is located on the right side of the TV screen when the app is open:
- Now Watching: shows the Twitter feed relevant to the show or channel the user is currently watching.
- My Twitter: displays the user’s personal Twitter feed (if logged-in) and gives them full Twitter functionality, including the ability to “Favorite” a tweet, reply to a tweet, retweet a post and create a new Tweet.
- My Facebook: displays the user’s personal Facebook feed (also requires log-in) and gives users the ability to post a status update, with the option of selecting one of several pre-drafted, easy-to-use updates.
While I still find myself somewhat lukewarm on in the idea of polluting populating my screen with Facebook or Twitter updates, DISH’s approach appears far more customizable and sophisticated then the competition. Not to mention the stats from The Collective are fascinating – especially should the app extend beyond live television and into DVR recordings.
I have been playing with Social for a few months and I like it, but I don’t love it.
The biggest flaw is actually being social with it. Typing using the remote takes FOREVER, you have to use the on screen keyboard, you can’t even use AT9 like you can on a cell phone.
If the Hopper would support a USB or Bluetooth keyboard then it would be a great addition to my living room. But it does not, so while its fun to see what others are saying about the show I am watching its not so fun to talk about what I am watching.