Samsung Adds Content from HBO and MTV to US TV Apps Store

written by: Richard Kastelein

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Published on Thursday, 17 March 2011 10:20

Samsung has announced the addition of new apps from HBO and MTV to their US applications store which will offer rich music and entertainment options.

“The support for Samsung Apps – from content providers to developer partners and consumers around the world – has been tremendous,” said Eric Anderson, vice president of content and product solutions, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. “As we look ahead, Samsung sees the opportunity to expand not only the breadth and depth of apps, but also how users interact with them, making it easy to discover and enjoy content across multiple devices in the home.”

In the 12 months since its launch, Samsung Apps has enjoyed a phenomenal response from consumers. It took only eight months for Samsung to reach its one millionth TV app download globally and less than half that time to surpass the three millionth app download worldwide. In the U.S., consumers can chose from more than 200 free and premium apps from a litany of industry-leading content and service providers.

New Apps Make Entertainment and Music Smarter

As the global leader in smart TV, Samsung is working with leading brands to bring consumers the types of content and services that ignite their passions. Today, new apps from HBO and MTV expand on that promise by delivering unique, immersive experiences right on the TV:

• HBO GO gives consumers immediate access to more than 1,400 titles of HBO® programming, as well as bonus materials, soundtrack and cast information. Available for download via Samsung Apps later this year, current HBO subscribers can instantly watch every episode of classics like The Sopranos, Sex in the City, Deadwood and current award-winning series like Boardwalk Empire, Entourage and True Blood.
• MTV Music Meter allows fans to discover, consume, share and interact with new music. The easy to navigate interface features a countdown of the top 100 trending artists based on social media buzz as well as audio, video, artist news, tweets, bios and a feature that showcases similar artists. Available soon via Samsung Apps, MTV Music Meter is currently also available on Samsung’s Galaxy series smartphones and Galaxy Tabs.

Since the launch of Samsung Apps last year, Samsung has seen video, gaming and information apps consistently trending among the top downloads. YouTube, AccuWeather and Google Maps were the top downloads in February 2011.

Intuitive, Interactive Apps Provide Glimpse of the Future

In 2011, Samsung is beginning to deliver on the promise of multiplatform applications that enable developers to create apps that help consumers better manage, merchandise, and control the content they want, when they want it:

• With Smart Hub, Samsung is helping people organize their applications with a new folder feature that allows the user to control how they access downloaded apps without having to scroll through multiple pages.
• The Software Development Kit (SDK) for Samsung Smart TV enables developers to bring deep, interactive experiences to the TV. In 2011, consumers will be able to upgrade their app or purchase new content directly from the app – creating a store within a store.
• This year, Samsung will roll out a new remote control app that turns Galaxy S phones and the Galaxy Tab into a second TV screen. The new app will enable Samsung Smart TVs to encode and wirelessly transmit live TV broadcasting from the TV to the Samsung Galaxy device, making programming more portable than ever.

Tools for Developers Create New Opportunities

TV app innovation is dependent on the ability of developers to easily bring ideas to life. Samsung continues to work closely with developers to ensure they have the tools and information needed to build new, interactive experiences for the TV.

Samsung’s new SDK for Samsung Smart TV, which offers easy integration and compatibility with 2011 Samsung Smart TVs and Blu-ray players, is now available. The SDK includes a new emulator UI that helps improve development efficiency and supports Samsung adaptive streaming and IETF live streaming. These features enable developers to facilitate live and on-demand viewing of content in completed apps. Additionally, the SDK includes a new Open Convergence Interface that supports integration with HID devices, like USB mice, keyboards and game controllers. This makes it possible to control apps on the TV with multiple accessories.

To ensure Samsung Apps developers have access to the information and support that they need, Samsung launched a community feature on the Samsung D Forum that facilitates continued dialogue and fosters new app development. The Samsung developer community continues to grow and currently includes more than 2,000 active members. For more information on the developer community, please visit www.samsungdforum.com.