Yahoo pitches 'widget channel'

Yahoo is tapping Intel to put web widgets on television

Yahoo is to launch a new service which will allow users to run widgets on their TV.

The web giant will team up with Intel to allow the placement of web-based 'widget' objects on screens via Intel's set-top boxes.

The widgets will display items such as weather, local news headlines and stock quotes.

Neither company provided an official release date or timetable for the service.

Yahoo also plans to integrate the new offering with its other web services, allowing users to view Flickr feeds while watching TV, for example.

The channel will form part of what Yahoo describes as a larger foray into " the cinematic internet".

Yahoo envisions a system in which all living room devices are able to access the internet and mix web-based content with traditional media.

"This is no longer just a passive experience unless the viewer wants it that way," said Eric Kim, senior vice president and general manager of Intel's digital home group.

"Intel and Yahoo are proposing a way where the TV and internet are as interactive, and seamless, as possible."

The companies also hope to make the service easily accessible to developers. The Widget Network will support applications written in XML, JavaScript and Flash.

Intel and Yahoo are also providing a Widget Gallery in which users can view and select various widgets to use with the service.