Towards a remote launch mechanism of TV companion applications using iBeacon

TV sets and companion devices (Smartphones, Tablets, etc.) have outgrown their original purpose and are now playing together an important role to offer the best user experience on multiple screens. However, the collaboration between TV and companion applications faces challenges that go beyond traditional single screen applications. These range from discovery, wake-up and pairing of devices, to application launch, communication, synchronization and adaptation to target device and screen size. In this position paper, we will limit ourselves to the Remote Launch aspect and introduce an idea for a new mechanism for launching companion applications using iBeacon technology.