What do you do while watching TV? Sounds like a silly question. Some people read mail, pay bills, fold laundry or try to multitask something else they didn't have time to do earlier. Some people use this time to just relax and don't do anything else. However, more and more people are setting in front of the TV with a laptop, iPad or other internet connected device; a "second screen." A recent
TechCrunch article highlights that 69% of tablet owners do exactly this.
Social TV
Do you use Facebook or Twitter? Do you discuss your favorite TV shows with your online friends? Many people use these networks to share their favorite shows, share sports updates, discuss the latest competition show results, or even bash The Bachelor's most recent dismissal. People like to share what they are watching. It is like watching TV in a room with all of your friends as you comment or even make fun of what you are seeing.
Check-Ins
Have you "checked-in" to a show online? Maybe an odd question to you, but viewers with "second screens" are using apps like Viggle, Get Glue and IntoNow to check-in to shows and movies. Checking in to a show is like using FourSquare to check-in to a location.
Viggle, my personal favorite, allows you to earn points for watching your favorite shows that you can spend on real rewards; like gift cards to some of your favorite retailers and restaurants. You can earn bonus points for watching featured shows, watching in-app ads, playing along with trivia events and even for sharing your check-ins on Facebook and Twitter.
What do you use your second screen for?