Interactive TV News Round-Up (VII): TransGaming, MIPS Technologies, Yahoo!, Tom Hanks

Due to the large volume of news being generated by this week's 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), we are covering stories in this issue in round-up/summary format. We anticipate that it will take us several days to process all the news from the show: so if your company has sent us a press release or briefed us on an announcement, and you don't yet see your news covered in this issue, please bear with us.

• TransGaming (which just acquired the interactive/connected TV operations of Oberon Media--see the article published on itvt.com, January 4th), said Wednesday that it has expanded its GameTree TV connected-TV gaming platform to support set-top boxes based on the MIPS architecture from MIPS Technologies. "Leveraging its relationship with MIPS Technologies, TransGaming can now offer interactive entertainment solutions that operate on set-top boxes deployed in the North American and broader global markets of cable, IPTV and satellite operators," the company states in its press materials. "With this expanded support and the recent acquisition of Oberon Media's ITV and connected-TV division, TransGaming is reinforcing its position as the number-one interactive entertainment provider for the digital home." Said TransGaming president and CEO, Vikas Gupta: "Through our relationship with MIPS Technologies, TransGaming can now deliver the GameTree TV experience and its world-renowned library of interactive content to the multitude of MIPS-based set-top boxes being deployed to millions of households worldwide."
• Yahoo! announced at CES earlier this week that it is teaming with Playtone and Reliance Entertainment to launch "Electric City," an interactive online animated series created by and starring actor Tom Hanks, later this year. Yahoo! will be the new series' exclusive home. "What is 'Electric City'?," Yahoo! asks in its press materials. "The world as we know it has ended and out of the rubble, the Electric City stands as a symbol of peace and security. Yet under the veneer of order lies a world full of secrets and violence. Secret police, back-alley dealings, daring chases, and murder all find a home in the 'Electric City.' Through the lens of a functioning, yet dystopian metropolis, 'Electric City' touches upon relevant global issues and themes including energy consumption, freedom of information, crime and punishment and more. The story unfolds gradually, layering mystery upon mystery, inviting viewers to interact with the content and each other. Metaphors and symbols are woven throughout, creating a perfect environment for puzzle-solving and community interaction. Like good science fiction, 'Electric City' raises provocative questions about our own way of life and value systems. Short-form connecting storylines combined with vivid animation and a compelling score will keep audiences watching, while metaphors and a range of subject lines will keep them guessing--and reflecting...'Electric City' will be shown as a multi-part series on Yahoo!, and will be supported by a deeply immersive and interactive online experience that enhances the drama, mystery and intrigue of the series. Yahoo!'s interactive and social features will allow viewers to: 1) Navigate non-linearly and learn more about the world of 'Electric City' through a 3D interactive map. 2) Dig deeper into character back-stories and learn about the cast behind the characters' voices. 3) Watch exclusive behind-the-scenes footage. 4) Post reactions and commentary directly to Facebook and Twitter. 5) Engage members of their social networks in discussions and debates about societal themes, events and characters and/or join the larger 'Electric City' community discussion. 6) Engage in casual games and other content related to the series. 'Electric City' will also live across multiple devices and comes enabled for tablet and connected TV. The series will be punctuated by special events, such as opportunities to watch exclusive content and to interact with the cast and creators. As a truly global entertainment experience, the series will also be available in numerous languages, including French and Spanish."