Opportunity for advertisers with Yahoo announcement

Online advertisers could be able to take advantage of a new product from Yahoo.

The firm’s Connected TV group has launched a partnership with a number of television manufacturers which will see its Widget Engine used to provide web functionality in the television set.

Yahoo will join with Intel to create a Widget Development Kit which will allow advertisers, among others, to create widgets for television.

“Consumers are increasingly looking for a richer TV experience, including the ability to integrate personalised internet content and interactive experiences on the screen,” commented Gartner research vice president Allen Weiner.

“Those companies who succeed as leading TV 2.0 portals will be those well-positioned to make the connected TV a reality through strong global partnerships, innovative technology and expertise in creating open platforms.”

Yahoo had a turbulent 2008, following an attempted takeover bid from Microsoft and a failed advertising partnership with Google.

Additionally, chief executive Jerry Yang - one of the company’s founders - announced in November that he was stepping down from his role.