TV App Agency creates voice controlled TV App for Absolute Radio on Samsung Smart TV

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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Notes to editors:

Press contacts:

Sheema Luca, Mixing Digital: mobile 07810 086789, sheema@mixingdigital.com

Davina Lines, Mixing Digital: mobile: 07976 665 094, davina@mixingdigital.com

Images are available upon request

About TV App Agency

TV App Agency was founded in 2011 to enable the delivery of cross-platform content across smart TV. The convergence of hardware devices - mobile, tablets and TV - and the delivery of cross-platform content made efficient by software is the next wave in the digital industry.

TV App Agency provides expertise across software development, user experience, multi-screen devices, TV app development and app store submission to enable brands, content providers, agencies and broadcasters to get onto smart TV.  Since its launch, TV App Agency has developed apps for a range of leading European brands, including RTVE, Rightmove, Prime Location, Find a Property, Daft, La Liga BBVA, National Rail, Food Network and Absolute Radio.

The company has also developed a technology engine which enables brands to develop apps and submit them across a range of connected devices including Samsung, LG, Philips and Sharp, and platforms including Google TV, Opera and set-top boxes.

Follow us on Twitter: @tvappagency

LinkedIn: TV App Agency

About the Founders

The team behind TV App Agency bring a wealth of knowledge of mobile, digital, technology

and how to develop effective media and software businesses.

Andy Eardley’s involvement in TV App Agency follows 25 years’ experience building

businesses in the technology and software sectors. He worked with the most of leaders in the

hi-tech electronics industry including Apple, HP, IBM, Seiko and Epson as they went through

explosive growth in the PC era. He then moved into the software sector as it disrupted the

business of in-house bespoke software development, building a $100m, 500 people plus

business covering 13 countries, with partners in over 40. Having performed in various sales

leadership, VP EMEA and CEO roles, he really understands the needs of the client and the

importance of getting the technology right.

Bruno Pereira has many years of experience in the online, mobile and media industries,

having worked with brands such as F1, IKEA, Air Canada, Bell Canada, BT and Total,

amongst others. He also has experience of growing technology companies in fast growth

markets – before co-founding TV App Agency, Bruno worked with two start-ups in the mobile

space (Grapple Mobile and Service2Media). He also has a background in content

management and ecommerce, having worked with companies such as Intel, Accenture, IBM,

Bell Canada and Interwoven/Autonomy.

About Absolute Radio

Absolute Radio is a national, innovative entertainment and music brand, developing ground-breaking digital innovations and broadcasting award-winning programming, and creating and publishing original and on-demand content across multiple platforms from One Golden Square.

Absolute Radio is committed to real music, comedy and football, and leads the industry as a digital innovator developing applications for the web and new and emerging platforms, including mobile, wi-fi radio, and next-generation DAB. 

Absolute Radio also runs a network of brands; digital stations; Absolute Radio 60s, Absolute Radio 70s, Absolute 80s, Absolute Radio 90s, Absolute Radio 00s, Absolute Classic Rock and Absolute Radio extra, the brand’s ‘red button’ service