by Dave Mainella
Shazam, the music identification service and media engagement app, announced today that they have expanded their ID-ing capabilities to include all TV shows on 160 channels in the U.S. – with some local programming being the only exception. Shazam users can use the app as a “TV companion” to access cast details, photos, music in the show, celebrity gossip and tweets, trivia, and additional links to sites like Wikipedia and IMDB.
Different kinds of programming will yield different results; Shazaming sports events will reveal stats, scores, and schedules.
The updated Shazam will also includes a broader social media integration, allowing instant shares via Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, and with an in-app commenting feature that makes it easy for users to digitally converse about the shows they’re watching.
“According to industry studies, 86% of smartphone owners use their mobile device while watching TV,” said Shazam CEO Andrew Fisher in a press release. “We think that broadening our television service and offering more comprehensive social features will continue to drive activity and engagement.”
Previously, Shazam worked only with select networks and shows including the Olympics on NBC, American Idol, the Grammy’s, and the Super Bowl.
With the expanded service, Shazam hopes to even further expand its user base; the company recently surpassed 250 million global users. The push to include virtually all TV programming should add to those numbers.
The Shazam app can be downloaded for free on every major platform that includes iTunes, Google Play, Amazon App Store, and BlackBerry App World.
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