WebProNews

Intel and Yahoo have announced plans to introduce widgets to television via set-top boxes.

The application is called the Widget Channel and will allow viewers to use rich Internet applications designed for TV while watching programs. The channel will be powered by the Yahoo Widget Engine.

Viewer's will able to watch videos, follow stocks, sports, news and interact with friends. They will also be able to share what they are watching with friends and family. The TV widget can be customized based on what sites a user visits.

"TV will fundamentally change how we talk about, imagine and experience the Internet," said Eric Kim, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the company's Digital Home Group.

"No longer just a passive experience unless the viewer wants it that way, Intel and Yahoo! are proposing a way where the TV and Internet are as interactive, and seamless, as possible."

To create new TV widgets for the Widget Channel, Intel and Yahoo said they will provide a development kit to developers and also include a widget gallery where developers can publish their TV widgets.

Intel and Yahoo are working with a variety of companies that are planning on developing TV widgets, including Blockbuster, CBS Interactive, Comcast and Disney-ABC Television Group.

"By using the popular Yahoo! Widget Engine to power the Widget Channel, we intend to provide an opportunity for all developers and publishers to create new experiences that can reach millions of TV viewers globally," said Marco Boerries, executive vice president, Connected Life, Yahoo! Inc.