What is IntoNow?
IntoNow is a consumer tech company that aims to enhance the way people engage with each other around the shows they love. Based on the SoundPrint platform, IntoNow gives users the ability to almost instantly recognize TV content and then helps them share and discuss those shows with friends, both within the product and through other social streams such as Facebook and Twitter.
Where does the name IntoNow come from?
When we set out to find a way for friends to easily connect around the shows they love, we naturally had a lot of conversations with our friends and colleagues. The one thing that seemed consistent, regardless of what show people were talking about, was the expression “you know what I’m really into now?” which was followed by a lively endorsement of a new favorite TV show. And it just sort of stuck from there. We really liked the idea of combining what you are into with the notion of now.
Where can I get it?
IntoNow is a free companion application for iOS and Android devices, and is available to consumers in the US through iTunes and Google Play.
Are there any special requirements to use IntoNow?
All you need is a compatible iOS or Android device, wireless access (either WiFi or 3G) and a microphone. IntoNow works with any cable or satellite provider as long as the channels are covered by our index.
How does IntoNow work?
It’s easy! Just tap the green button when your favorite show is on and we’ll identify the show and episode, providing info and associated links, and making sharing on Facebook and Twitter a breeze. IntoNow works with almost any programming that’s currently on television or has aired on television in the last five years.
No, how does it really work?
IntoNow, which is based our patented platform SoundPrint, analyzes the ambient audio being generated from your television in three-second increments. The audio is then converted into a “fingerprint”—basically, the show’s unique signature for ID—that is matched on the back-end to our reference set (which covers 140 channels of live broadcasting and has more than five years history). Once we make a match, we return all the metadata associated with that show and episode—things like title, description, cast, and associate links. This all happens in seconds.
Sometimes I get no match, what gives?
While we think our catalog of content is the most comprehensive out there, it’s possible that we won’t be able to provide a match in some cases. A few reasons this might happen: The ambient noise level in the room in which you are watching is too high (we recommend using IntoNow under normal viewing scenarios vs. loud environments); the scene you’re watching has no audio (retry it when there’s active dialog or other noise); and, while less common, we might not have the reference material. For example, we won’t have a movie that’s on PPV because it has not yet broadcast.
Why doesn’t IntoNow work at the movie theater?
IntoNow works with shows and movies broadcast on over 140 channels. While we do cover some premium channels, IntoNow will not be able to identify movies that are only available on BluRay/DVD or PPV.
Who gets to see what I’m watching?
We understand that everyone has different levels of comfort with sharing, and we’ve structured the IntoNow experience accordingly. For example, certain kinds of activity in the app—like commenting and notifications—are restricted only to the friends you’ve added to your network.
Some basic information is public by default—for example, when a show is identified, “Into N. (username) is watching Dora the Explorer (show name),” will show up in a public feed—but those identifications can quickly and easily be deleted. We plan to build in even more-granular privacy controls as we continue to evolve the application.
Can I suggest a feature or report a bug?
Absolutely. We love hearing from users! Send our support team an email or head to Get Satisfaction. We would love to hear from you!
Do you have any open positions?
We’re always looking for great talent. If you think you have what it takes, drop us a line at jobs@intonow.com and tell us more. Don’t forget to include your name on IntoNow and your favorite shows.
