Television viewing sure has changed in just a few years and even more exciting experiences are expected to take place soon.

New options provide viewers added information, whether it’s about the current program, recommending other programs based on what you’re watching, or giving background on actors or actresses in the show.

Viewers also have the option to interact with other viewers who are watching the same program. Comments on American Idol contestants can be quickly shared, for instance.

The world of social TV is upon us. In the old days, such as the 1950s and 1960s, families – and maybe neighbors – would sit in a living room watching a TV set. Some would share responses. Or the next day they would speak in person or on the phone with friends, relatives and co-workers about what they saw on TV the night before. Now in the 2010s, viewers are sharing responses with the wider world immediately, TMCnet reported.

There is also a lot of opportunity for using different devices during the viewing experience. Apple, for instance, could be working on iTV, which may use Siri technology found in the iPhone (News - Alert). It would help viewers select television shows. When released, Apple TV may also use iCloud, reports Smarthouse.com. It could take advantage of diverse Apple devices such as the iPad or iPad to share content and allow for a more social experience. In addition, Google (News - Alert) TV software lets viewers search the Web via voice commands, according to a report from The Los Angeles Times. Google TV software is found on set-top boxes and TVs. 

As these trends continue, new devices will interact with television sets. For example, in the video below, during an interview with TMC at the Consumer Electronics Show 2012, Audible Magic (News - Alert) discussed the benefits of some of the new technology for content recognition and new horizons in the world of social TV.