All articles tagged with #content discovery
YouTube is introducing AI-based video upscaling to enhance low-resolution videos on its TV apps, supporting HD and future 4K upscaling, along with improved thumbnails and immersive previews to boost viewer engagement. Creators can opt out of these features, and YouTube is also adding a contextual search function for better content discovery on TV.
Roku has rolled out a major software update introducing AI-powered voice search, real-time sports alerts, enhanced content discovery, Bluetooth headphone support, and updates to its mobile app, all aimed at improving user experience and content accessibility.
Hollywood is increasingly integrating AI technology across various sectors, including animation, special effects, content promotion, and dubbing, with startups like Toonstar, Chronicle Studios, and Runway leading innovation. While major studios face legal challenges over AI use, the industry recognizes AI's potential to reduce costs, enhance content discovery, and streamline production processes, attracting significant investor interest.
YouTube is introducing AI-powered features, including a search results carousel for Premium users in the US that suggests videos and provides AI-generated descriptions, and is testing a conversational AI tool that offers content summaries and recommendations, aiming to enhance user experience but raising concerns about creator engagement.
Twitch is set to launch its TikTok-style discovery feed for all users later this month, allowing them to scroll through separate feeds dedicated to clips and current livestreams. The new feed will be accessible as a tab within the mobile app, and some users may see it as the homepage next month. Livestreams and clips that meet content guidelines are eligible to appear in the feed, and users can interact with the content and creators they follow. However, ads will also be displayed within the feed, although users can scroll past them without interrupting their viewing experience.
Samsung has released an update for its free streaming TV service, Samsung TV Plus, introducing a redesigned user interface (UI) and new features to enhance content discovery. The update includes a personalized home screen, expanded content categories, and advanced recommendation algorithms. The UI overhaul provides a better browsing experience with larger elements and improved channel navigation. Users can now access Video on Demand (VOD) offerings directly from the channel guide and receive tailored content suggestions based on their viewing history. The update is available on all Samsung Smart TVs released in 2019 or later.
Apple has updated its Apple TV app in the tvOS 17.2 beta, introducing a revamped navigation system that includes a dedicated sidebar with sections for Search, Watch Now, Apple TV+, and more. Users can access content from specific streaming services in a separate "Channels and Apps" area, and there are tweaks to the app on iPhone and iPad as well. The changes come ahead of a reported new design expected to be introduced in December.
Roku has announced a series of new software features for its streaming devices, aimed at enhancing the sports viewing experience, improving content discovery, and providing easier customization options. The upcoming update will allow users to favorite their chosen sports teams, watch highlights from recent sporting events, and support Max's upcoming sports content. Additionally, Roku will introduce personalized channel ordering, refine the "What to Watch" section with new categories, and enable Google Photos support for screensavers. The update will also bring expert picture settings to all 4K-compatible devices and enhance the music experience within The Roku Channel. The hardware lineup will remain unchanged for the rest of the year. The 12.5 OS update will roll out to Roku customers in the US in the coming weeks.
Pluto TV is introducing a new and improved home screen, making it easier for users to navigate and discover content. The updated app will offer new navigation options, personalized recommendations based on viewing habits, and prominently feature on-demand content. With over 300 free live channels and tens of thousands of on-demand options, the new home screen aims to enhance content discovery and personalization. The rollout will begin on select Roku devices on September 25th and continue on Android TV and Fire TV devices throughout the year.
Google's John Mueller advises website owners to block Googlebot from indexing AI chatbot-generated content if they don't want it to be seen as part of their site. While not explicitly stating that it's a bad thing, Mueller suggests using methods like a robotted iframe, a robotted JavaScript file/resource, or data-nosnippet to prevent Google from discovering, crawling, and indexing the AI chatbot output. This recommendation is made for cases where the quality of the AI-generated content may not be on par with the rest of the site's content.
Netflix is introducing a new tab called "My Netflix" in its mobile apps, aimed at making it easier for users to find something to watch. The tab will surface titles that users have shown interest in, such as downloaded content, recently watched shows, saved titles, and trailers watched. The more users interact and provide feedback, the more personalized recommendations they will see on the My Netflix tab. While currently only available on mobile apps, Netflix is exploring the possibility of bringing the feature to web and TV apps in the future.
Vizio is rolling out a redesigned TV interface with a more intuitive and customizable home screen, aimed at making it easier to find content. The update includes new navigation features, menus, and settings, as well as a reworked on-screen keyboard for faster searching. The revamped interface offers recommendations, parental guidance, Rotten Tomatoes scores, genre pages, and a personalized "app row" for flagging favorites. While Vizio hasn't specified which TV models will receive the update or the timeline for the rollout, it is providing better aftermarket support compared to some of its competitors.
TikTok is testing an AI-powered chatbot called Tako in the Philippines to help users discover entertaining and inspiring content on the platform. Tako can recommend videos and respond to queries about what users are watching. The chatbot is being featured prominently in the app's main right-hand menu. TikTok is also experimenting with AI-generated avatars, but has no current plans for a broader rollout.