Sky News launches Yahoo! widget

Sky News has developed a dedicated TV widget for the new Yahoo! Widget Engine to give access to its latest breaking news stories on selected IP-enabled TV sets.

The widget, which is the first of its kind from a UK news broadcaster, will include seven different categories - top stories, UK news, politics, sport, business, world news and showbiz.

Powered by the Yahoo! Widget Engine, the Sky News widget will be only accessible on IP-enabled TV sets manufactured by Samsung. Available for free without need to subscribe to a Sky TV package, the service will launch at some point in the "near future".

Last November, Sky News was also made available on Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch via the Sky Mobile TV app.

"Following hot on the heels of the hugely popular, and award-winning, Sky News iPhone app, we are delighted to announce yet another application which allows people to easily keep up with the latest news within the normal routine of their daily lives," said Sky News executive producer for new media James Weeks.

"Our internet connected TV widget provides the ability for those with enabled TVs to quickly and effortlessly stay connected to Sky News, without having to choose to go online, switch channels, or boot up a PC when they are relaxing at home. It is part of our ongoing quest to bring Sky News direct to news consumers, wherever they are and however they want it."

Yahoo! connected TV director of product management Arlo Rose added: "By creating this revolutionary new internet experience and combining our technology with the global distribution of major consumer electronics and content partners, we enable consumers to access the relevant information and content to enhance their television watching experience.

"Yahoo! has combined key attributes of the internet, including openness, community, and personalisation, with the power of television."

Last October, Sky News also launched an improved video player to give online access to its 24-hour breaking content without charge.