Zeebox, the social TV venture from former iPlayer designer Anthony Rose, has gone live. The service can be accessed from a dedicated website or from an iPad app available from Apple. An iPhone app is due for later release.
In addition to being able to see what your friends are watching, those with connected TVs can also use Zeebox as a remote control. Assuming your iPad is running on the same network as a connected TV, if a friend is watching a particular programme your own television can also be tuned to that channel.
Zeebox has been tested with Sony, Samsung, LG and Panasonic devices.
Initially Zeebox is focused on the UK, with built in listings for Freeview, Freesat, Sky and Virgin, though there are plans to take the service to the US and Europe.
By signing in with Facebook it is possible to see what you’re friends are watching, as well as chat with them about what is currently on screen. If privacy is an issue then sharing can be switched off.
Zeebox will also search out related content, such as an ongoing Twitter feed on current shows, iPad apps, or music from iTunes.
In addition to Rose, others working on Zeebox include Alex Nunes, a former lead technical architect for the BBC iPlayer and YouView platforms and Simon Miller, who was SVP Innovation at EMI.
