Sony's TV SideView aims to enhance your TV using experience

Sony has launched its new TV SideView app at CES 2013 in Las Vegas as it looks to offer consumers an even better TV experience.

The app which runs on the firm's Android smartphones and tablets allows users to browse the EPG, find out additional information on programmes including details on cast and crew, and find related shows to what's been watched in the past – all without having to inturrpt what's currently on the TV.

Once you've found something you like you can then use the app as a remote control, allowing you to change the channel, adjust the volume and press the red button.

Third-party support

SideView incorporates third party services such as Netflix and YouTube while also supporting Sony's own Music and Video Unlimited packages.

There are downsides though – you will need a Sony made Smart TV and/or Blu-Ray player which supports this fancy technology and a Sony Xperia device such as the Xperia Z or Xperia Tablet S with the smarts to accompany it – which is all going to add up.

It's certainly a nice idea and we're always fans of being able to control home applications and entertainment systems from our mobile devices, but we'd rather see this technology become universal between brands instead of forcing you into a particular company's ecosystem.