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TV App Agency brings you the future of connected TV today
London, 26th June 2012 TV App Agency announces the launch of Europe’s first truly interactive TV app.
TV App Agency’s latest App for Absolute Radio is the first truly convergent media application, not only allowing the user to control their TV from their smartphone but also by voice. The new app moves beyond the analogue remote control to provide truly interactive television. Now users are free to simply ask for the next channel, stop, start and even refresh
While the voice control frees the user from the remote, the dual screen functionality using a smartphone supports deeper media interaction. It means that a smartphone and a smart TV can interact – to search for, navigate and display content. It’s going to enable recommendations and campaigns that offer a lot more scope for interactive communication. A smartphone allows users to tweet, send an email to the studio or, of course, use as a phone to call the studio. And most people are already using smartphones while watching TV – according to the latest Nielsen figures, 68% of smartphone owners already do so.
The great benefit of convergent media is that it supports the most appropriate device for user actions – it’s about simplifying the world for users. That’s why the Smart TV market is continuing to grow, and the rapid acceleration of innovation is only likely to drive its expansion further. According to Rovi, 84% of connected TV owners regularly use TV apps, and 80% of people who are planning to buy a Samsung HDTV or Blu Ray player are interested in becoming connected because of the content portal. Additionally the study found that TV viewing was stimulated by Smart TV usage, with 49% saying that the Smart TV offerings made them watch more TV.
The Absolute Radio App still provides Samsung Smart TV owners direct access to live streamed HQ audio from the Absolute Radio Network – including Absolute Radio, Absolute Radio 60s, Absolute Radio 70s, Absolute 80s, Absolute Radio 90s, Absolute Radio 00s, Absolute Classic Rock and Absolute Radio extra.
But now the Samsung Smart Hub interface allows voice access to all Absolute Radio audio streaming in High Quality, with tabbed navigation that enables the user to easily switch between stations and shows using their TV’s remote control. Real time ‘Now Playing’ and ‘Up Next’ information is included, alongside track artwork and Twitter messages from the on-air presenter. The Convergence mobile app also makes it much easier to share, using a smartphone to navigate or post updates on Twitter.
The new App retains its further information function, providing QR codes enabling smart phone consumers to find out more, by scanning the QR code from selected marketing banners on screen with their smartphones. Users will have access to a wide variety of products including the free Absolute Radio Rock ‘N’ Roll Football Live Scores app – the stations fully loaded Barclays Premier League commentary and match day centre application.
“Absolute Radio continues to pioneer the digital market” said Paul Brown, Technology Director at Absolute Radio. “Our ambition to grow the brand has been clear with our strong mobile strategy and now with our new Smart TV apps we’re adding to this. The convergence of Smart TV with control through the mobile and via voice simply underscores our dedication to providing ease of use for consumers. At Absolute Radio, we give our listeners the control.”
The app is available to download for free from the Samsung Smart TV app store.
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