In 2012, Sony was granted an extremely interesting patent allowing users to skip commercials if they stood up and shouted the brand name at their TV. Sony described the patent as “a system that converts TV commercials into interactive online video games.” For example, if a user stands in the living room shouting “McDonalds!”, the advertisement will be closed automatically and users can revert to watching their TV program.
Though the idea seems strange and Sony has not made this patent a reality, it is believed that the method of shouting a brand name allows users to actively strengthen brand memory, while also shortening the time for users to watch advertisements. Seems like a win win!
