In the past week, a new iPad app has been released to users for free allowing for greater social connectivity whilst watching their favourite shows, with the new programme the brainchild of the man who oversaw the development of the BBC iPlayer.

The app, which is also compatible with web browsers, is known as Zeebox, and was created (in co-operation with The TVC Group) by Anthony Rose, who was responsible for the BBC’s on-demand catch-up service in 2007. Self-described as a ‘TV sidekick’ it is designed to display ‘now & next’ programme listings for over 30 major UK channels, with each individual show offering the option to view a ‘hub’ of series information, live ratings, social networking comments (from users of Facebook and Twitter) and web links, amongst others.

Additional features include interaction with Facebook friends also using the service (and ‘inviting them’ to watch the same channel as you), looking at a show’s ‘zeetags’, and for the iPad version, links to relevant ‘apps’, and a way to use it as a TV remote control (for users with smart TV’s). The move is thought to be a good one for advertisers as well, with the interactive interface offering a good platform for links and product promotion.

Rose said of the new app: “It’s a new era for broadcast TV.”

Co-founder Ernesto Schmitt summarised the impact that he believed Zeebox could have, stating: “Like Facebook is the platform built around social, and FourSquare is the platform built around location, Zeebox is the platform built around TV.”

A demonstration of the Zeebox app in action can be seen below:

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