A new web and iPhone app [iTunes link] called PHILO makes watching TV interactive by having users “tune in” to TV programs as if they were checking in to venues on Foursquare or Gowalla, then discuss shows in a Twitter or Facebook newsfeed-like conversation stream while they’re watching.
The app shows you what’s trending among your friends, and you can use it as a discovery engine to find new shows. You can then determine when those shows are playing on your local cable or satellite TV provider. When you do have something to watch, your updates can optionally be broadcast to Facebook and Twitter so your friends can see what you’re watching and what you think of it.
Foursquare-like badges are on tap for users who check in to programs regularly. If you watch Seinfeld a lot, you might get the Art Vandelay badge. PHILO CCO Greg Goldman says more tangible rewards are also planned, such as exclusive content from production companies.
We don’t have specifics about those additional rewards yet, but Goldman did confirm that Studio Lambert (Undercover Boss) and Donald Trump Productions (The Apprentice) are the first two production companies to establish relationships with PHILO.
Android and BlackBerry versions are coming soon.
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Tags: App, checkins, iphone, PHILO, social media, television, tv