Cablevision is working on creating Social TV technology that may allow subscribers to be in contact through voice chat or video calls during programming. According to Fierce Cable, the patent application is called “Virtual Communal Television Viewing” and lets the user’s find friends or others with similar interests for communal viewing sessions.
Additionally, users are expected to be able to access this feature with cable set tops, gaming consoles, smartphones and tablet computers. The patent also details how users can find friends for these viewing parties, “Each user may watch television content in the user’s own home, while simultaneously communicating with other users via voice and/or video conference/chat. This virtual communal television watching and discussion session is called a viewing party.” There is a chance that Cablevision will use these viewing parties to drive ad revenue.
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