ITV

Tag: Xbox

  • ALTBalaji rolls out its windows universal app for XBox & Surface Hub etc

    MUMBAI: Balaji Telefilms’s OTT platform ALTBalaji has announced the roll out of its Windows 10 universal application. The app is available in the Windows 10 app store and works seamlessly across PCs, Laptops, Smart Phones, and Surface Tablets running Windows10 OS.

    The app will soon be rolled out on other popular Microsoft devices and platforms like XBox, Surface Hub, and other devices through the Universal Windows Platform (UWP). Windows 10 has 400 million monthly active users globally who can now enjoy ALTBalaji’s original, exclusive and tailor-made shows on a variety of Windows devices.

    Speaking on the announcement, ALT Digital Media Entertainment COO Sunil Nair said, “By rolling out the Windows10 app, we have shown our commitment to our audience by making it easy for them to experience ALTBalaji on laptops as well as their regular smart phones. Features like multi­ device continuous play will make it easy for users to watch our shows on their mobile phone while on the move, and switch to their Windows 10 laptop or PC to continue enjoying the show seamlessly.”

    “We believe that with the ALTBalaji Windows 10 Universal App we have created a truly personalized platform which will benefit our digital consumers. All over the world people are more engaged when they consume content on larger screens with an immersive video and audio experience. Microsoft is committed to providing our users with a great viewing platform, and our collaboration with ALTBalaji will ensure that they get seamless access to content anywhere, at any time,” said Microsoft India windows and surface business director Vineet Durani.

    The video platform supports Microsoft Smooth Streaming and has Playready for Digital Rights Management (DRM). Using UWP allows multiple device specifications through a single app and makes it easy to upgrade seamlessly. Customers can use upto five devices simultaneously with one subscription, which makes it convenient for family viewing.

  • GroupM launches new advanced television unit

    GroupM launches new advanced television unit

    MUMBAI: GroupM today announced the launch of a new innovative TV business unit that will offer clients superior targeting and engagement capabilities in what has become a technology driven, data fused, addressable media environment.

    The announcement was made by GroupM North America CEO Kelly Clark, who said the unit will be called Modi Media and will be led by Michael Bologna, GroupM’s Director of Emerging Communications. Bologna’s appointment as President of Modi Media is effective immediately, and his previous role is being folded into his new position.

    “We are preparing for a world of media consumption and advertising message delivery that is radically different from what we see today,” Clark said in making the announcement. “Data and technology are driving enormous change in the structure and the economics of the television business, and it’s critical that we are ready to help clients navigate the new landscape. Modi Media will develop powerful advanced TV solutions for advertisers.” Clark said Modi (pronounced “Mo-Dee”) will offer solutions that provide advanced targeting, less waste, improved ROI, and deeper engagement.

     Specifically, the unit will cover four practices:

    DIGITAL CONTENT DISTRIBUTION: Focused on the promotion of sale or rental of digitally distributed films across cable and satellite platforms and through connected devices (iTunes, Xbox, Amazon, Vudu).

    ADDRESSABLE TV: Addressable television is the ability to send a TV commercial to a specific household based on a brand’s actual target profile. Targeting criteria can include income, advanced demography, and purchase behavior, among others. Ads are served only to the homes that fit the specified target criteria. The current reach potential of addressable TV is 40 million TV homes across the US, and is expected to grow significantly.

    HYPER-LOCAL TV: Hyper-local television is the ability to insert a TV commercial directly to a specific zone or zip code based on geographic skews, sales data, trading radius etc. This helps focus clients’ TV advertising in highly concentrated local neighborhoods without having to buy an entire market, thereby reducing waste.

    INTERACTIVE TV (iTV): iTV enables advertisers to engage consumers more deeply with interactive content and promotions, using TV commercials as a “jumping off point.” Solutions include dedicated advertiser channels, commercial overlays for lead generation, smart TV applications and e-commerce. Modi will provide advertisers with strategic planning, buying, production, and data analysis across platforms including cable, satellite, telco and gaming services.

    Rino Scanzoni, Chief Investment Officer of GroupM, noted that Modi will be supported by the full resources and scale of GroupM including its TV implementation, optimization, research and data capabilities. The unit’s services will be made available to clients of all GroupM agencies, which include Maxus, MEC, MediaCom and Mindshare. In addition the new unit will offer its mservices to other WPP agencies and directly to clients who may not work with a GroupM media agency.

    Bologna started his career at MEC in 1998 as an assistant media planner on the agency’s AT&T account. He was an original member of MEC’s digital unit (The Digital Edge) and more recently has held positions that focused specifically on advanced television. He is known throughout the television and media industries for his expertise in the field of advanced digital communications.

  • Lego, Marvel team up for online series ‘Maximum Overload’

    Lego, Marvel team up for online series ‘Maximum Overload’

    MUMBAI: Lego and Marvel are teaming up on the 10-episode online series Lego Marvel Super Heroes: Maximum Overload.

    Marvel is launching all 10 of the episodes today exclusively on Disney.com, Disney’s YouTube channel and across Disney’s Roku-and Xbox-connected TV apps.

    Featuring Lego Spider-Man and Marvel’s most popular superheroes and villains, Maximum Overload brings the Marvel universe to a Lego-designed backdrop.

    In the series, the mischievous Loki has found a way to put the “super” in super-villain and is amassing an army to conquer Earth and beyond. His antics are keeping Spider-Man and SHIELD’s finest busy as they tackle old foes who possess new powers.

    Lego and Marvel have been in business for some time, teaming up on a successful Lego toy line as well as video games.

    Lego has become an increasingly active player in Hollywood, with a pair of hit Cartoon Network series – Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu and Legends of Chima. Warner Bros will release The Lego Movie on 7 February 2014.

  • Apple TV gets Disney Channels app, Microsoft’s Xbox offers Time Warner Cable

    MUMBAI: Apple and Microsoft have added new channels to their streaming video devices that boost their available content. It’s a step forward for both gadgets but doesn’t break the a la carte wall just yet. Apple TV was upgraded to include apps for Disney channels – pay TV subscription required – Vevo and the Weather Channel, while Microsoft’s Xbox 360 console added a subscription-contingent Time Warner Cable app. The latter offers access to 300 TV channels including CNN, AMC and Comedy Central.

    Blair Westlake, corporate VP of Microsoft’s media and entertainment group, told the Wall Street Journal’s Digits blog that his company had considered licensing channels directly from media companies to create a service similar to the kinds of online cable TV products planned by Intel and Sony. “We looked at it and said if we can deliver an app or apps like the one we are lighting up today” with Time Warner Cable, that’s “really what people expect.”

  • Australia’s Ten unveils Xbox app

    Australia’s Ten unveils Xbox app

    MUMBAI: Through a new agreement with Microsoft, Network Ten is launching the Network Ten Xbox app, which is the first commercial free-to-air (FTA) channel VOD application available in Australia.

    The app gives Xbox Gold Live users instant access to a library of more than 25 programs, among them Offspring, The Graham Norton Show, Bondi Rescue and Totally Wild. It will also update with the latest news from Ten News At Five and Ten Late News as it breaks.

    Network Ten chief digital officer Rebekah Horne said: “We are delighted to be the first Australian commercial free-to-air network to join forces with Xbox to provide its consumers with new entertainment, comedy, reality and news content.”

    “This is the first product release in Ten‘s TV anywhere strategy. Our goal is to deliver a TV experience anywhere that consumers are engaging with video content. Ten‘s TV anywhere strategy will be realised over time by a number of product releases across different platforms and devices,” she added.

    Microsoft Australia interactive entertainment business lead Jeremy Hinton said: “We are thrilled to be adding Network Ten content to the Xbox platform and our content library.”

    “Our aim is to provide Australian Xbox Live members with the best and most popular television content, alongside movies, music and games, and now they will be able to access some of Australia‘s highest rated local and international shows,” he added.

  • Spielberg to create ‘Halo’ TV show for Microsoft’s Xbox

    Spielberg to create ‘Halo’ TV show for Microsoft’s Xbox

    MUMBAI: Along with the unveiling of the new Xbox console, Microsoft and Halo developer 343 Industries have also announced that they are developing a ‘Halo’ TV show.

    The director will produce the project, which will be exclusive to the new console.

    Spielberg said, “For me, the Halo universe is an amazing opportunity to be at that intersection where technology and myth-making meet to create something really groundbreaking.”

    The Xbox One is the software major’s first new gaming console in eight years. The product interacts with a television, responds to voice and gesture commands. It‘s offers includes group video calling on Skype, 15 game titles and content.

  • Microsoft Advertising launches Global Creative Storytelling Contest

    Microsoft Advertising launches Global Creative Storytelling Contest

    MUMBAI: Software giant Microsoft has announced the launch of a creative storytelling contest -The Microsoft Advertising Story Awards (MSAs) – which invites marketers from 30 countries across the world, including India, to submit a campaign idea for a brand or nonprofit of their choice, using Microsoft Advertising‘s storytelling platforms.

    Marketers are asked to submit a hypothetical digital media plan and creative idea for the brand or nonprofit of their choice that addresses a “key business challenge” for that organisation‘s 2012 or 2013 calendar year. The contest does not judge work that has already been executed and challenges marketers across the globe to tell a brand‘s story using Microsoft Advertising technology and solutions including MSN, Mobile, Windows Live, Xbox and Messenger to solve real marketing challenges.

    Microsoft India country director advertising and online Neville Taraporewalla said, “At Microsoft Advertising, we have initiated this contest to highlight the wider focus of the business which is to help brands step back from the clutter and put storytelling back at the heart of marketing. We strive towards providing an International platform to the enormous amount of talent residing in India and are confident that entries from India will be innovative and engaging.”

    Y&R global chief executive Officer David Sable added, “It is all about inspiring digital marketers to take their discipline back to its roots by developing fresh ideas that focus on reaching a target audience with a powerful story. We encourage anyone with a knack for great storytelling and a creative brain to pair up and throw their hat into the ring.”

  • Cartoon Network crowns video gaming champ at ‘Toonami: Game On’ competition

    Cartoon Network crowns video gaming champ at ‘Toonami: Game On’ competition

    MUMBAI: Cartoon Network’s video gaming championship ‘Toonami: Game On,’ in which kids from across Mumbai competed for the state championship title, awarded 13 year old Nimish Parab from St. Francis High School with a Microsoft Xbox 360 console and a Cartoon Network trophy, at an event held in the city on 7 January.

    The championship gained the participation of over 2000 kids who won invites to the championship through on-air contests and school contact programmes.

    Children were invited in three batches at 9 am, 11.30 am and 2 pm. At a given point in time, 100 kids competed against each other across 50 Xbox 360 consoles and tested their skills at PGR, the racing game. Each round was followed by eliminations and winners of each batch competed with the winners of the previous batch., informs an official release.

    ‘Toonami: Game On Video Gaming Championship’ was aimed at taking Cartoon Network’s revamped and rejuvenated franchise – Toonami – beyond the realms of television and hence provided kids with an opportunity to personally experience the shows aired on the action block.

     

  • Xbox 360 unveils TV shows and movies on Xbox Live

    Xbox 360 unveils TV shows and movies on Xbox Live

    MUMBAI: On its one-year anniversary Xbox 360, is digitally delivering an initial lineup of TV shows and movies to gamers in the U.S. via Xbox Live, the online games and entertainment network from Microsoft.

    Xbox Live Marketplace will now provide gamers with easy access to hundreds of full-length TV shows for download to own and movies for download to rent from CBS, MTV Networks, Paramount Pictures, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. (TBS, Inc.), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment with more content rolled out through Xbox Live Marketplace every week, asserts an official release.

    Expected to be available in 37 countries, Xbox 360 continues to retain record game and accessory attachment rates, according to NPD.

    Xbox 360 is prepared with consoles readily available at retail along with a host of new accessories such as the Xbox 360 Wireless Racing Wheel, Xbox Live Vision camera and Xbox 360 HD DVD Player, and games such as Gears of War and Viva Piñata.

    Examples of the download-to-own TV shows and download-to-rent movies available on the network include the following:

    – CSI, CSI: Miami,CSI: New York, NCIS and Star Trek from CBS

    – Chappelle’s Show, Drawn Together and South Park from Comedy Central

    – Pimp My Ride and Punk’d from MTV

    – Avatar: The Last Airbender and SpongeBob SquarePants from Nickelodeon

    – Skyland and Invader Zim from Nicktoons Network

    – Chinatown, Star Trek VII: Generations, Patriot Games, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, The Sum of All Fears, The Untouchables and We Were Soldiers from Paramount Pictures

    – Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Frisky Dingo, Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law, Sealab 2021 and The Venture Bros. from Turner Broadcasting

    – Some of the fights from Ultimate Fighting Championship

    – Breaking Bonaduce and Hogan Knows Best from VH1

    – Perfect Storm, Poseidon, The Shining, Three Kings and V for Vendetta, as well as The Nine and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip along with the CW show Veronica Mars from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment

    Using the family settings feature, parents and individuals can choose the video content that can be played on their family’s Xbox 360. With the availability of this new entertainment content, gamers now can set controls based on movie, TV and video ratings, or they can entirely block explicit and unrated video content for themselves or their children, adds the release.

    Pricing is competitive and will vary based on format, media type and whether the content is a new release movie or a classic feature film. High-definition TV shows will be 240 Microsoft points per episode, and standard-definition TV shows will be 160 Microsoft points per episode.

    New release movies in high definition will be 480 Microsoft points, and standard-definition new release movies will be 320 Microsoft points each. Classic feature films in high definition will be 360 Microsoft points, and standard definition will be 240 Microsoft points. After purchasing a high-definition TV show or movie, gamers can download the standard-definition version at no additional charge.

    Microsoft points can be purchased at retail or via Xbox Live. Gamers can get a 1600 Microsoft points card at retail for $19.99 or 1000 Microsoft points through Xbox Live for $12.50.

  • Microsoft’s Xbox 360 unveils ‘Viva Piñata’ in US

    Microsoft’s Xbox 360 unveils ‘Viva Piñata’ in US

    MUMBAI: Microsoft Corp. will celebrate the launch of Viva Piñata on Xbox 360, with a multi-city tour in the US, by presenting children’s activities and video game demonstrations at six launch events in New York, Miami and Los Angeles. It will also provide parents with information about online safety and Viva Piñata-related educational programs for children.

    The Xbox 360 video game follows the debut of the Viva Piñata Saturday morning animated television series on 4Kids TV Fox, states an official release.

    “The Xbox 360 game Viva Piñata inspired us to take the spirit of the game and expand the concept to create learning tools to help kids experience more about their Hispanic heritage in a fun and engaging way,” said Microsoft director of Xbox marketing Chris Di Cesare. “One example is a Viva Piñata digital desktop pet piñata that people can download to their computer. Every day the piñata will share new information about Hispanic culture from key holidays to Spanish vocabulary.”

    Children attending the events can enjoy piñata-making workshops, interactive video game demonstrations and the opportunity to be photographed with the characters from the Viva Piñata animated TV series. A traditional piñata breaking game will also give children an opportunity to win an Xbox 360 and Viva Piñata game.

    Viva Piñata, which translates to “long live the piñata,” invites gamers of all ages and skill levels to create an immersive world where living piñatas inhabit an ever-changing environment. Beginning with a few basic tools, players build and take control of this environment, using their creativity and imagination to attract, protect, nurture and manage more than 60 piñata species that can visit their world and make it their home.

    With the launch of Viva Piñata, Microsoft extends the Xbox 360 brand to younger gamers and more diverse audiences. The tour is one of several Microsoft marketing efforts aimed at attracting more U.S. Hispanic consumers, and acknowledgement of the growing influence of Hispanic culture.

    According to a report published by the Selig Center for Economic Growth at the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, U.S. Hispanics will control more disposable personal income than any other U.S. minority group by 2007. Hispanic consumer spending power is expected to top $863 billion, a 300 percent increase in disposable spending power from 1990, adds the release.

    “The video game is one of several initiatives that Microsoft has created in an effort to promote diversity through innovative products,” said Microsoft director of Multi-Cultural Marketing José Piñero. “Microsoft’s initiative around Viva Piñata is a clear indication of the company’s support and interest in the Hispanic community.”