Second Screen Apps
Reviews and news about
second screen apps, from social guides to synchronized experiences.
Viggle acquires Loyalize in social TV deal
A big move in the social TV space today: Function(X), the parent company of the new TV loyalty app Viggle, announced today it’s acquiring Loyalize, a second-screen technology platform. Viggle was built using the Loyalize platform, and the acquisition gives Function(X) a white-label technology to expand its goal to reward viewers for watching and participating with their favorite TV shows. The companies did not release terms of the deal.
Zeebox creates click-to-buy feature in social TV app
Zeebox still hasn’t launched in the US, but shortly after the London-based social TV company scored a large round of funding they’re launching clickable TV ads across their platform. Their press release reads, “in a world first, UK users will be able to purchase products advertised on TV through their tablet or smartphone in real time.” Zeebox seems to be one of the only major players in the UK giving them the opportunity to really build a great product in their market and then come to the US with a fine-tuned model and case studies. On the other hand, Shazam, Viggle and the other US social TV startups are working with brands to finally figure out how to make ads useful.
Social TV app Viggle launches with real-life rewards
Earlier this month, we previewed Viggle, a new social TV app that’s the brainchild of former American Idol exec Robert Sillerman. Today, Viggle hit the iTunes Appstore (iPhone right now), and we gave it a spin. Viggle is based on rewards — not badges or stickers — but gift cards from Amazon, Starbucks, Burger King, iTunes and freebies like an iPod Shuffle and one month of Hulu Plus. To earn these rewards, TV viewers accrue points by checking into broadcasts, setting reminders for upcoming shows, watching videos, playing games and taking quizzes….
Making movie trailers on TV more social, meet MoviePal
Social-savvy TV junkies usually scoff at the idea of watching commercials. DVRs, Netflix, iTunes and the on-demand culture have made TV commercials for much scripted content, irrelevant. There is an exception though when it comes to movie trailers. Trailer and film junkies get hooked up Apple’s trailer site but those who fall into the genre of of, I watch insane amounts of TV but rarely see movies (like myself), coming across a trailer that entices me on TV can get me to get off the couch. The obvious thing to do after seeing a trailer is to google it for more information but often it takes way too many clicks to get to the showtimes you want, the list of characters you want to see or the music that was in the background of the trailer. Now there’s an app that makes this whole process easier. Meet a Shazam/IntoNow for trailers, meet YouWeb’s MoviePal.
Social TV startup ‘TV Dinner’ launches with funding
Another social TV company has entered the space aiming to create a, “refreshingly unique real-time experience,” according to their release. New York-based “TV Dinner” (for iPad) is focusing on a big gaming element for the second screen. They’re launching with a strong opposition to the idea of the TV check-in, a concept that GetGlue seems to be banking off of but that others are skeptical of in regards to long-term sustainability as a platform.
Former ‘Idol’ exec invests millions in new social TV app Viggle
The man who launched American Idol is getting into the social TV business. Robert Sillerman announced today that his new company, Function(x) will soon debut a TV loyalty app called Viggle. By checking into various TV shows — the app will come with audio recognition software — viewers can earn points that can redeemed for rewards from companies such as Burger King, Sephora, Fandango and the Hulu Plus service. The company says the app (which is launching soon) will highlight shows with “check-in bonuses.”
USA debuts ‘White Collar’ on Miso SideShow
Last month Miso debuted a new feature that allows TV brands to create their own synchronized second-screen experiences, a sort of “Wordpress” for social TV. The SideShows, as they’re called, appear inside the Miso app itself: a collection of companion content all tied to a timeline, appearing at precise moments in a live or recorded TV show. Using a publishing tool, brands can easily create their own SideShow.
Univision launches news app for iPhone
Univision, the leading media company serving Hispanic America, launched a new iPhone app for news called Noticias Univision, which can be downloaded here. Univision Network has a huge reach, serving 97% of US Hispanic households. The app’s main purpose for now will be to deliver their 24/7 news coverage, and later this month users will be able to “report breaking news by uploading photos and videos,” and share their favorite Noticias Univision content with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter, according to their release.
CES 2012: Xfinity’s AnyPlay brings live TV to tablet
As promised Comcast’s Xfinity announced today it’s beginning to roll out AnyPlay, a new live TV service for the iPad (and soon the Motorola Xoom, as well.) Subscribers will be able to watch any channels included in their Xfinity package within range of their home WiFi. “Currently, we’re making AnyPlay available to Xfinity HD Triple Play customers in areas of Denver and Nashville at no additional charge,” explains Mark Hess, SVP of Video Product Development. “If you don’t live in Nashville or Denver, don’t worry, as we plan to add more markets in the coming months.”
CES 2012: Showtime Anytime iPad app is finally here
After a long wait since the original announcement, Showtime Anytime, the network’s second-screen on-demand app has arrived (for iPad). Showtime now boasts a catalog of impressive shows ranging from Dexter to Homeland to the recently-premiered Shameless, Californication and the brand new House of Lies. The free iPad app features more than 400 hours of original shows and movies.
