Twitter may have found the perfect partner for TV domination with Comcast, launching a Twitter Command to watch or record a show just by tweeting.  Such non-verbal commands are the perfect way for Twitter to develop user services around its platform, connecting it with third party services to be controlled through the most widely used microblog on the planet.

Expanding beyond the TV industry would establish Twitter as a key component of the very infrastructure supporting the Industrial Internet movement, where machines talk to each other and basic coding puts humans in a position of power.  Though code has become a new indicator of literacy in our technologically enhanced society, intelligent machines and user-friendly interfaces will automate much of the coding process for the average consumer.  This is where Twitter has an opportunity to enable basic codes, programming a bevy of connected devices with a tweet.

Tweet-to-Watch

The deal with Comcast will turn Twitter into a TV-watching service with the “See It” button that would start appearing in some of  NBCUniversal’s shows, like “The Voice.”  NBC Universal is owned by Comcast.

When a Twitter user clicks on a tweet with the See It button, it will open a Twitter card that delivers more information about the show.  Comcast subscribers who are also Twitter users will be able to record or watch the show directly from their computer or mobile device using Twitter.  This eliminates the need for subscribers to log onto their computer or watch shows only on TV.  Now with the Twitter integration, they can watch their favorite NBCUniversal shows even while on the go.

“See It is a simple yet powerful feature that creates an instant online remote control,” said Brian Roberts, Chairman and CEO, Comcast Corporation. “Comcast is taking a leap forward in social TV by enabling Twitter users to more easily find and view the shows they want to watch and discover new shows.  Twitter complements the live viewing experience and is an ideal partner for Comcast and NBCUniversal.”

Starting November, NBCUniversal television shows on the following networks will use See It on Twitter.  The networks include NBC, NBC Sports Network (NBCSN), CNBC, MSNBC, USA, Syfy, Bravo, Oxygen, E!, Esquire Network and The Golf Channel.

The Voice, The Blacklist, Chicago Fire, The Michael J. Fox Show, Sunday Night Football, Access Hollywood, NHL, Premier League Soccer, Sochi Olympics, Today Show, Psych and Suits, are just some of the programs that can be watched or recorded directly using Twitter, and more programs are expected to be added soon.

“Twitter is where television viewers come to talk about what they’re watching on TV when they’re watching it.  Millions of users are exposed to the live conversation that unfolds on Twitter while a show is on the air and now, with See It, they’ll be able to tune in directly from a Tweet,” said Dick Costolo, CEO, Twitter.  “It’s a great example of Comcast’s leadership in bringing TV to new platforms.”

Twitter + Smart Home automation

This is just one of the many ways Twitter has been making itself more useful to its users.  In the past, developers have manually modified Twitter integration to monitor their homes.

Andy Stanford-Clark, a Master Inventor and Distinguished Engineer at IBM, equipped his house with sensors and various systems for real-time monitoring, and connected it to a private Twitter account.  Some have dubbed his home as the Tweeting Home, and others are questioning why would you even need such a house.

Though it may seem weird, it’s a way for your house to communicate with you.  For instance, if you left all your lights on, your home’s Twitter account will inform you of that so you can remotely turn them off using your home automation system.

Even plants can now communicate with their owners because of Botanicalls, a collaboration between artists and technologists.  Botanicalls uses sensors to measure the moisture content of soil.  If it’s too low, it tweets an alert for you to water it.  If you respond, it will tweet a thank you response.

Simple codes command non-verbal machines to action

But one day you won’t need to be a distinguished IBM engineer to code Twitter to perform basic functions around your home.  Several apps are becoming more “programmable” for average users already.

IFTTT is perhaps the most prominent example of how simple coding can simplify our lives and expedite the adoption of smart, connected devices.  The more readily machines can be coded to take action with each other, the more control users will have over their experiences.

Twitter 140-characters have been widely used to communicate with the rest of the world.  Thanks to the advancements in technology, Twitter is fast becoming the platform for non-human things to communicate with us and with each other.  Twitter is well positioned to take on this responsibility, given its proliferate mobile interface, broad access and popularity as a platform.  The mere familiarity of Twitter is what makes it an appealing conduit for non-verbal commands, possibly addressing the learning curve that will undoubtedly scare some consumers away from the imminent rise of the machines.

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