Samba TV’s technology will be integrated into Toshiba smart TVs, allowing owners to use their TV remote or a tablet, smartphone or computer to interact with their favourite shows or movies.
The integration of the Samba platform closes the gap between linear television and the web. Within a few seconds of a viewer’s request, Samba TV’s technology identifies related content and gives consumers a multiscreen TV experience through applications running on the TV or any other device within the home.
Creating a second screen experience with web-related content, viewers will have access to clips from their favourite TV shows, and the ability to share them with friends on social networks (Twitter, Facebook). 
Samba, formerly known as Flingo, uses video recognition in order to identify a programme. It needs a specific chip set built into the televsion set and Toshiba is now the first to take up this option. Samba-enabled Toshiba TVs will become available in the US from Q2, 2014. No details of any roll-out in other markets were released.
“Enabling Multiscreen Interactive TV addresses consumers’ changing media consumption behaviors and Toshiba sits at the forefront of this innovation,” said Scott Ramirez, VP of product marketing and development, Toshiba America Information Systems, Digital Products Division.
“Our strategic relationship with Samba allows us to not only offer a seamless, interactive experience, but also bring additional content to our customers.”
“The future of TV is the integration of the web with live programming, and enabling people to connect with shows they love in new ways,” said Ashwin Navin, co-founder and CEO of Samba TV.
“Our strategic relationship with Toshiba allows us to expand this vision to an even larger audience with one of the most recognizable electronics brands in the world.”
