Sky, the UK satellite broadcaster, is to launch a new interactive TV portal based on standard web technologies that will potentially allow anyone to have a presence on interactive television -- "BSkyB says the new interactive television portal will enable existing web publishers to reach a potential audience of around 20 million users through their television sets. The new initiative will complement the entertainment, gaming and communications services available on the existing Sky Active portal. With around 10 million viewers accessing existing interactive services on Sky each month, the aim is to broaden the range of services available on the platform and to stimulate further innovation in the interactive TV arena. The portal will launch later this year with the aim of attracting a range of online providers, including established commercial services, not-for-profit organisations and even individuals. Services will be accessed using conventional web addresses or via listings on the portal. Users will be able to save their favourite links and access a history of previously visited services."
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become the defining force in business technology development, but integrating AI into applications remains a formidable challenge. According to a recent Gartner survey, 77 percent of engineering leaders identify AI integration in apps as a major hurdle for their organizations. As demand for AI-powered solutions accelerates across every industry, understanding the tools, the barriers, and the opportunities is essential for business and technology leaders seeking to evolve. The Gartner survey highlights a key trend: while AI’s potential is widely recognized, the path to useful integration is anything but straightforward. IT leaders cite complexities in embedding AI models into existing software, managing data pipelines, ensuring security, and maintaining compliance as persistent obstacles. These challenges are compounded by a shortage of skilled AI engineers and the rapid evolution of AI technologies, which can outpace organizational readiness and...