iWorld
Texas Instruments outlines mobile TV opportunities at seminar
MUMBAI: Advances in mobile digital TV technology and the impact this growing industry will have on broadcasters, content providers and consumers.
These subjects were dwelt upon by Texas Instruments VP and manager worldwide strategic marketing Doug Rasor.
He delivered the closing keynote during the Society of Broadcast Engineers’ annual conference a few days ago in the US. He said, “Mobile TV combines the two most popular consumer products of our time, the mobile phone and television, providing broadcasters, networks and content providers access to an untapped market of 1.6 billion cell phone subscribers for their programming.”
However, he noted that to make the mobile TV industry a realistically affordable service for consumers, an ecosystem based on open standards is key. “Open standards such as DVB-H enable all players of the mobile TV market to address the market on a more even playing field, from handset manufacturers to broadcasters to service providers. This fosters stronger competition, lowers consumer prices and enables faster service deployment of compelling content and services to consumers.”
In preparation for service rollouts that are expected to begin next year the DVB-H ecosystem is actively participating in consumer trials worldwide that are proving out business models, consumer preferences and opportunities
for additional revenues. The trials have shown strong consumer interest and willingness to pay between $10 and $15 monthly for services. “With mobile TV services, consumers will be able watch live TV programming on their cell phone to ‘snack’ on 10-15 minutes of news, sporting events, weather and other content throughout the day which promises to create a new revenue stream for broadcasters and advertisers,” Rasor said.
Closing his remarks, Rasor reminded the audience that in order to make the mobile TV market successful, content is also a key consideration. “Just like TV programming, consumers want interesting and compelling content to watch. If the right mix of entertainment, news, sports and pop-culture programming isn’t available for cell phones, mobile TV will not meet its full potential to reach billions of cell phone users worldwide over the next five to ten years.”
iWorld
Netflix launches Playground app to bring games and interactive play for kids
Interactive games, fresh series and returning favourites aim to blend play and learning
MUMBAI: Netflix is doubling down on kids entertainment with a major expansion of its family-friendly slate, anchored by the launch of Netflix Playground, a new interactive app designed to blend play with storytelling.
Aimed at children aged eight and under, the app allows young viewers to engage with familiar characters from shows like Peppa Pig and Sesame Street through games and activities, all within a safe, ad-free environment. The app is already live in select markets and is set for a wider global rollout later this month.
The move signals Netflix’s push to turn passive viewing into a more immersive experience. Alongside the app, the platform has unveiled a mix of new titles and returning favourites, including fresh episodes of Trash Truck and The Creature Cases, as well as a new preschool series, Young MacDonald. Popular titles such as CoComelon Lane and Ms. Rachel are also set to expand with new seasons and episodes.
Speaking about the strategy, Netflix vice president of animation series and kids and family tv John Derderian said, “We’re building a world where kids can not only watch their favourite stories, they can step inside them and interact with their favourite characters. We’re creating a seamless destination for discovery, learning, and play.”
The expanded offering also leans heavily on convenience for parents, with offline access, curated content, and robust parental controls designed to ensure a safe and tailored viewing experience. Features such as profile locks, content filters, and activity tracking aim to give families greater control while allowing children to explore independently.
The timing is strategic. Kids and preschool content has emerged as one of Netflix’s most-watched categories in recent years, making it a key battleground in the streaming wars. By combining games, education, and entertainment, the platform is looking to deepen engagement and build long-term loyalty among younger audiences.
With interactive play now joining its content arsenal, Netflix is not just streaming stories but inviting kids to step inside them, turning screen time into something a little more hands-on.
