MobiTV Increasing its Android Presence

[wuyanks]

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MobiTV, a live streaming and video-on-demand service for mobile handsets, has had a presence in the Android world for quite some time. However, the service is currently limited, as it is available only on few Android smartphones, such as the HTC Evo 4g, Motorola Backflip, and HTC Hero. Now, MobiTV is aiming to increase its Android presence, initially by launching on the T-Mobile Samsung Vibrant (on July 21st), and eventually finding itself on a plethora of future Android handsets.

Considering the increasing growth of Android and the current lacking of live and on-demand media content, this is the perfect storm for a company like MobiTV, trying to strike it big. This is addressed in MobiTV's press release by Charlie Nooney, CEO of MobiTV, Inc:

"As the Android platform continues to grow in popularity and availability, MobiTV believes it will play a strong role in the adoption of mobile media”.

An interesting fact, also noted in the press release, is that:

Among its more than 10 million subscribers, MobiTV viewers on the Android platform watch 23 percent more minutes per active viewer versus all other mobile operating platforms.

MobiTV’s current global content partners include NBC Universal, Disney Channel, ESPN Mobile TV, Comedy Central, FOX News and The Weather Channel, to name a few.

AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and even Verizon all carry phones that allow access to the MobiTV service. Also, there is mention of MobiTV availability for some Verizon phones through the "Get It Now" feature, but what about Verizon's latest Droids? Will we ever see MobiTV on the Droid line :motdroidvert:, which is currently restricted to subpar media utilities, such as V Cast? Also, have you tried MobiTV yet? Let us know what you think!

Check out the full press release below:

MobiTV, Inc. Expanding on the Android Platform - Mobile video engagement highest among users on Android platform
EMERYVILLE, CALIF. – July 6, 2010 – Recognizing the growth of the Android platform and its ability to deliver a high quality mobile media experience, MobiTV, Inc. is expanding its core live TV and video-on-demand service to more Android-based devices.

WHAT: Currently delivering top-tier live and video-on-demand programming to the Android-based Sprint EVO 4G and HTC Hero devices, as well as the AT&T Motorola Backflip, MobiTV is expanding its Android availability beginning with the T-Mobile Samsung Vibrant available July 21, 2010.

WHY: Since the introduction of MobiTV to the Android platform with the NBA League Pass Mobile app, MobiTV, Inc. has seen increased engagement with its services on Android as the operating system continues to grow. With Android grabbing 9.6 percent of the smartphone market share in the first quarter of 2010*, compared to 1.6 percent a year earlier, MobiTV believes it will become a critical platform in accelerating the availability and adoption of mobile media.

NUMBERS: Among its more than 10 million subscribers, MobiTV viewers on the Android platform watch 23 percent more minutes per active viewer versus all other mobile operating platforms.
QUOTE: “As the Android platform continues to grow in popularity and availability, MobiTV believes it will play a strong role in the adoption of mobile media,” said Charlie Nooney, CEO of MobiTV, Inc. “With more Android devices being rolled out in the coming months, MobiTV has identified the platform as a strategic element in our goal to deliver live and on-demand programming to the widest possible consumer base.”

ABOUT: MobiTV, Inc.’s technology was the first to bring live TV to mobile devices, and the company is driven by a passion for delivering personalized, engaging and relevant mobile media experiences to millions of subscribers. Our deep relationships with wireless operators enable consumers to receive top-tier content from brands like NBC, ESPN, Disney, CBS, Warner Music and many more. MobiTV, Inc. applications, available on hundreds of handsets and compatible with nearly every mobile operating system, are powered by an industry-exclusive technology platform that can be deployed by wireless operators or hosted by MobiTV, Inc.

Founded in 1999, MobiTV, Inc. is a privately-held company with headquarters in Emeryville, Calif. For more information about MobiTV managed end-to-end services and hosted content delivery technology and solutions, please visit:
Cell Phone TV Applications | Mobile Television Apps | MobiTV. To learn more about MobiTV mobile music products and services, go to: Cell Phone TV Applications | Mobile Television Apps | MobiTV
*According to research firm Gartner, Inc.
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via Phandroid

 

[Vulcan1600]

This is all good and everything, but with data limitations on AT&T and undoubtedly with VZW in the future, who will be able to afford to stream this?

 

[wuyanks]

This is all good and everything, but with data limitations on AT&T and undoubtedly with VZW in the future, who will be able to afford to stream this?

Just like how FaceTime requires WiFi, we may begin to see streamed content require WiFi as well? I hope not... we'll see.

 

[Droid101]

Itll be on the droid even with Vcast verizon offers it on all of their other phones besides any android phones. Taking forever thats for sure. But I have to agree with what is stated above with the tiered data coming out it'll cost a small fortune to do this.

 

[soze]

well lets not foeget to mention JetFlicks which is on the market. It may be a monthly or yearly subscription but it does an awsome job and high quality vids. Everyone should check it out.!

 

[wuyanks]

well lets not foeget to mention JetFlicks which is on the market. It may be a monthly or yearly subscription but it does an awsome job and high quality vids. Everyone should check it out.!

very true. i always seem to forget the diamond in the rough, Jetflicks. I am a subscriber, and the service is fantastic!! full series' of most modern shows.

 

[tiggerxplur]

why dont they release it to the market so every one can have it

 

[furbearingmammal]

why dont they release it to the market so every one can have it

Verizon's greedy and doesn't want competition with V-Cast? Verizon doesn't want a popular alternative that will suck up their bandwidth, even though they have it and to spare?

 

[tiggerxplur]

why dont they release it to the market so every one can have it

Verizon's greedy and doesn't want competition with V-Cast? Verizon doesn't want a popular alternative that will suck up their bandwidth, even though they have it and to spare?

well then im sure someone here will port it to us

 

[furbearingmammal]

Or XDA... <looks>

 

[wuyanks]

why dont they release it to the market so every one can have it

Verizon's greedy and doesn't want competition with V-Cast? Verizon doesn't want a popular alternative that will suck up their bandwidth, even though they have it and to spare?

according to their website, they do have their application on VZ, found via the "Get It Now" feature on some of the dumbphones, for $9.99/mo.

Television Applications For Verizon Cell Phones & Mobile Phones

of course, this isn't (yet?) available for the Droid line

 

[carbonnoid]

i can't see how jetflicks is legal at all.

 

[oshizo]

Well I had mobitv on that horrid motorola Q its good. Only tv app so far I would pay for.

 

[Shadez]

Maybe Im missing something, but, if your willing to spend $9.99 a month for limited channels, why wouldnt you just pay $180 for a slingbox and watch all the channels you have at home with no monthly fee?? I know $180 isn't a small chunk of change for alot of people to toss up at one time, but in the long run it will save money..

 

[regkilla]

stupid Samsung tryna steal the Droid X's release date spotlight