GECs
Discovery goes the mobile route globally
MUMBAI: With mobile being the latest buzzword in the world of entertainment, Discovery has decided to jump onboard.
It has teamed up with Volantis. Volantis which supplies intelligent content adaptation solutions and services will develop, deploy, and host Discovery’s all-new global mobile portal.
The rollout begins in Asia later this year. Discovery’s global mobile service will be available through the branded portals of mobile network operators, as well as ‘direct to device’ for subscribers who have Internet access via their mobile phone.
The new portal will provide consumers around the globe with an array of content from all of Discovery’s brands delivered in various forms including news and information, images, video clips, guides to programmes, SMS/MMS messages, ringtones, truetones and quizzes. It will also offer pioneering services in support of the company’s lifestyle programming such as a Pregnancy Calendar.
This concept, based on an actual conception date, will send a message, every week throughout the duration of the pregnancy, containing pictures and information on the baby’s progress as well as health tips and advice.
The Volantis intelligent content adaptation solution recognises more than 350 attributes of more than 1,300 mobile devices allowing it to generate, in real-time, precise content optimised for each individual mobile handset. This means that each Discovery mobile user will receive an extremely high quality brand experience.
Discovery Networks International VP New Media Tanya Field says, “As a leading provider of entertainment and information programming, Discovery looks for new ways to deliver its content to consumers on their terms. We want to offer a sophisticated mobile solution that complements our existing channels, deepens our customer relationships and provides for more choice and flexibility. Volantis’ award-winning technology and proven success in working with other international brands on a large-scale makes them the ideal technology partner in this endeavour.”
Volantis CTO Mark Watson commented, “Overcoming the challenge of delivering a wealth of brand assets across a diverse global mix of operators and mobile devices is exactly the problem that Volantis Intelligent Content Adaptation technology solves. Our solution will allow Discovery to deliver a consistent brand experience and will support the growth of its creative content distribution in the mobile environment.
The Discovery service will utilise the Volantis Managed Service solution, also used by customers such as Reuters, eBay.co.uk, and FT.com, which provides end-to-end management and optimised delivery of both centralised and localised content to thousands of different devices across any network. Volantis will manage all aspects of delivery including integration in to operator portals and billing systems, content management, download and messaging services.
GECs
Samsung TV Plus launches Kings of Comedy channel
New free FAST channel brings iconic Hindi comedy shows to millions of Samsung Smart TV owners.
MUMBAI: Samsung TV Plus has just turned up the laughter volume and it’s completely free. The leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service in India has launched Kings of Comedy, a premium comedy channel featuring some of the country’s most beloved primetime shows. Available exclusively on Samsung TV Plus, the channel delivers back-to-back hits including Comedy Nights with Kapil, Khatra Khatra Khatra, and Comedy Nights Bachao, with no login or subscription required.
The launch marks a milestone for free streaming in India, offering audiences a dedicated comedy destination directly from their Samsung TV home screen. It arrives as Samsung TV Plus India celebrates its 5th anniversary, during which the service has grown its monthly active users by 42 per cent and more than doubled its total viewing hours. The platform now offers over 180 free channels across 14 languages.
Samsung TV Plus India general manager and head of business development Kunal Mehta said, “Comedy is the heartbeat of Hindi entertainment, and Kings of Comedy brings together the shows Indians already love, completely free on their Samsung TV. Our focus remains the same take the content people know and make it effortless to access.”
Globally, Samsung TV Plus has surpassed 100 million monthly active users across more than 4,500 channels, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading free streaming services.
Kings of Comedy is now available on all compatible Samsung Smart TVs. For viewers seeking non-stop laughter without any cost, this new channel delivers a royal treat proving that sometimes the best entertainment really does come with no strings (or subscriptions) attached.
