Orange's TVCheck app to launch in the UK

written by: Richard Kastelein

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Published on Tuesday, 03 April 2012 20:50

Orange plans to launch its interactive TV app TVCheck in the UK next week according to insiders at MIPTV. TVCheck lets users access interactive features and share what they are watching with friends on social networks, by holding a smartphone camera to the TV screen. The app automatically detects which show is on and can direct users to additional, relevant content.

From Mediatel:

The app has been downloaded almost 100,000 times in France since its release. In the UK, it will be free and available on any network. It will be available across 25 free-to-air channels, including the BBC channels, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

TVCheck lets users access interactive features and share what they are watching with friends on social networks, by holding a smartphone camera to the TV screen. The app automatically detects which show is on and can direct users to additional, relevant content.

The app has been downloaded almost 100,000 times in France since its release. In the UK, it will be free and available on any network. It will be available across 25 free-to-air channels, including the BBC channels, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.

And Lost Remote:

One of the interesting elements of Orange’s approach (Orange is part of France Télécom) is that the app is available for free, whether you’re an Orange subscriber or not. Instead of using the app as a way to attract and retain subscribers, Orange is aiming for scale first, revenue second, which makes it directly competitive with other second-screen apps in the UK.

Zeebox, meanwhile, plans to launch in the US within the next few months.