internet

The blending of television and the Internet is inevitable. Smart TVs, like those at Samsung’s booth, ingest video via the Internet, guard it as directed by the content owners and show it. Signs of innovation were evident at recent trade shows: Time Warner Cable, one of the biggest cable operators, announced that it would start delivering programming via its network straight into some Sony and Samsung television sets, removing the need for a set-top cable television box. Full article. 

A new Pew Research Center study found that 8 percent of Americans who are active on the Internet are enthusiastic users of Twitter. The study found that Americans who regularly use Twitter are primarily  “young adults, minorities, and those who live in cities.” Also, African-Americans and Latinos are twice as likely to use the service than whites. Full article.  

Telephone books are becoming relics of the past. Phone companies argue that most consumers now check the Internet for phone numbers, and that is why 15 states have approved Verizon's request to quit distributing white pages since 2007.   Full article.

Conversations about food that once only happened between friends are now public thanks to the Internet, and sites like Twitter sped up the conversations. Whether it's reviews before the meal or the service afterward, opinions are voiced freely -- and restaurants are taking notice. Recently, however, restaurants -- locals and chains -- have started Twitter conversations with customers. Chains like Chipotle and Pei Wei even have full-time social media employees. Full Article.