LG, Philips and Sharp have formed an alliance to develop a shared set of standards for their respective Smart TV apps. The group is using common standards such as HTML5, CE-HTML and HbbTV to introduce the first beta version of a common SoftwareDevelopment Kit(SDK). The aim of the project is to allow developers create a single app that run on a TV from any of the three companies.
The three companies hope that the cross-platform SDK will spur app developmentin the burgeoning Smart TV segment. Currently, developers have to recompile their code if they wish to deploy an app on the Smart TV of each different manufacturer.
In an interesting move, LG, Philips and Sharp have also extended an open invitation to other Smart TV makers to participate in the project and provide ideas for the development process. Their hope is that they can create an ‘inventive and dynamic’ app market for Smart TVs as exists for smartphones
