Sony’s new Xperia Tablet (running Android) set to launch on September 7th, will feature a heavy GetGlue integration. The new tablet aims to make a splash in the second screen market by offering features focused on the living room entertainment experience. Beyond working as a universal remote, Xperia also includes a “Watch Now” feature in collaboration with GetGlue. We spoke with GetGlue CEO Alex Iskold about the platform’s biggest integration with a manufacturer yet.
Even the most popular social TV apps are still hard to use consistently when they’re not connected to our actual TV devices. GetGlue just launched a major new version of their app focused on discovery, and now they’re showing that they’re still extremely dedicated to making sure they’re platform is being used by the biggest TV manufacturers.
Lost Remote: How does this partnership work?
Alex Iskold: Sony is using several GetGlue APIs in their new tablet application. First, they are using GetGlue trending and popular data to power the Guide/What’s on Screen. When the user opens the app, there is a cover flow of what is on TV right now (above). The size of the cover corresponds to popularity/activity around the show on GetGlue. Secondly Sony app, which acts as a remote and automatically syncs with the TV screen has also integrated GetGlue check-ins. The users can check-in from all show pages into what they are watching.
LR: How is it the biggest manufacturer integration?
Iskold: GetGlue has already been integrated by DIRECTV, but this is the first major integration by TV manufacturer.
LR: Any social features?
Iskold: The current app does not integrate friends, but that is a possibility for the upcoming updates. The app is using GetGlue trends to help the viewers decide what to watch.
LR: Anything else?
Iskold: This is another really major integration for GetGlue API. We are seeing increased usage and integration of API and widgets as over 3 dozen major networks and manufacturers have integrated GetGlue widgets and API into their apps. We expect more integrations unveiled in the Fall.