Accedo Broadband, Sonaecom Launch Interactive TV Application for Accessing Wikipedia

Accedo Broadband--a Stockholm-based aggregator and distributor of interactive TV applications and content for IPTV and broadband-connected consumer electronics devices (note: the company, which was founded by telecom and media entrepreneurs, Michael Lantz and Fredrik Andersson, offers a range of applications, but is best known for its games)--announced Monday the launch of an application called Clixopedia on the Clix TV IPTV service of Portuguese triple-play provider, Sonaecom (note: Clix TV is powered by middleware from Ericsson).

According to the company, the Clixopedia application--which is available free-of-charge to all Clix TV customers--allows viewers to use their remote controls to search Wikipedia, and view Wikipedia content directly on their TV screen. The app presents viewers with a version of Wikipedia that has been customized and optimized for a 10-foot viewing experience. "Clixopedia is a good example of a TV service, which is unique for IPTV," Accedo CEO, Michael Lantz, said in a prepared statement. "We believe that the future of TV lies in connecting the TV experience with the power of Internet applications." Added Sonaecom's Joao Mendes Pedro: "At Sonaecom, product innovation is always of highest priority. We are delighted to launch this truly innovative interactive TV service for the benefit of the Clix TV viewers."