The partnership with zeebox will enable MIG to be the first to integrate an interactive social payments and voting solution, with its Engage solution, into the free-to-consumer zeebox app, which already enables TV viewers to socially interact and chat via Facebook and Twitter, access TV programme information, buy what they see on screen, and will now enable them to vote for a contestant in their favourite participation TV (P-TV) show.
The combination of zeebox’s integrated social media experience, along with MIG’s Engage platform and knowledge of the media and entertainment industry, offers audiences the capability to extend and significantly enhance their second-screen experience. This real-time experience supports established interactive solutions whilst offering an additional monetisation stream for broadcasters.
Barry Houlihan, general manager of MIG, commented, “zeebox have an innovative approach that is revolutionising the way viewers consume content related to television. The integration with our interactive social payments and voting solution, Engage adds new potential, on platforms such as Facebook, iTunes and global Mobile Network Operators (MNO’s) for both themselves and their broadcast partners, whilst further enhancing the viewer’s immersive experience from the virtual couch.
“In May 2011 MIG was selected by Facebook as a ‘Preferred Developer Consultant’ and the new partnership with zeebox gives us access to a growing user base on what we believe is one of the world’s most exciting second-screen products.”
Anthony Rose, zeebox co-founder and CTO commented, “Broadcasters and programme makers are embracing second screen apps to bring social media and interactivity to their programmes. But spending time and money creating an app for each programme, and for viewers having to find and download an app each time they change channel, isn’t sustainable or scalable. zeebox changes that, providing a plug-in architecture that allows broadcasters and programme makers to provide enhanced experiences, delivered within zeebox, easily and at low cost. We’re delighted to be working with MIG to integrate their Engage platform with zeebox, providing broadcasters with new audiences and revenue streams.”
MIG has an unrivalled understanding of the media, broadcast and entertainment industry having spent several years building strategic partnerships with ITV, Endemol, FremantleMedia and FIVE. This experience enables MIG to better advise their clients on how consumer habits are changing to adapt to emerging technology.
The zeebox TV companion app is currently available on iPhone, iPad and on the web at zeebox.com and will launch on Android in 2012. zeebox is initially available in the UK and will soon launch across the world.