AOL HD connected TV app is now AOL On for Samsung, Roku and Sony; TiVo coming soon
Last summer the AOL HD app launched on the Boxee, Roku, Yahoo Connected TV and DivX platforms, and now it's moving to 2.0 as well as changing names, to AOL On. Rolling out now to the Samsung Smart TV, Roku, and Sony platforms, with TiVo Premiere DVR access due "in the coming weeks" after a beta test ends, it's a free ad-supported app that pulls from a library of 380,000 or so videos, including some from Engadget (you may have noticed the logo in the corner). v2.0 brings a refreshed UI and videos from not only AOL sites like this one, Moviefone and TechCrunch, but also other sources like Reuters, AP, CNET and BBC. We gave the new channel a shot on Roku and were able to browse around easily enough although the most recent episode of The Engadget Show hadn't popped up yet -- we'll get someone on that. There's another screenshot and press release after the break, or you can just check the channel store of your nearest set-top box or connected HDTV to see if it's popped up there yet.
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The AOL On Network Releases Latest Connected TV App;
Launches on TiVo® Premiere DVRs
App Includes Ad-Serving Capabilities, Enabling Advertisers to Reach Connected TV Viewers Across The AOL On Library of Premium Video Content
NEW YORK – AUGUST 10, 2012 – The AOL On Network today announced the launch of version 2.0 of its connected TV app. Formerly known as AOL HD, The AOL On app will feature ad-serving capabilities at launch, and will boast a wide selection of rich, high-definition video content drawn from The AOL On library of more than 380,000 short-form videos. Already available on seven of the leading connected TV platforms, the update will be made available to three of these platforms: Samsung Smart TVs, Roku and Sony. Currently in beta, TiVo joins the lineup of supported platforms. Subscribers will receive access to the AOL On app in the coming weeks on TiVo Premiere DVRs.
"Our subscribers look to us to provide them with the best entertainment from cable and the web together in one place," saidTara Maitra, SVP, Content and Media Sales for TiVo. "We're always looking to expand our content offerings to improve their experience and The AOL On app helps us do just that. The impressive array of entertaining and informative videos is a perfect complement to our existing catalogue of TV, movies and music."
The upgraded AOL On app boasts a newly redesigned, cutting-edge user interface. In addition to AOL original content from properties like Moviefone, Engadget and HuffPost Entertainment, the app will feature high-definition videos from the AOL On Network's premium content partners like Reuters, AP, BBC, Newsy, Entertainment Tonight, Sugar, E!, Splash News, CNET and Gourmet TV. New content will be added on a daily basis.
"One of the primary barriers to mainstream adoption of connected TVs has been the lack of good content," said Rob DelaCruz, General Manager, Connected TV and Mobile Video, The AOL On Network. "By drawing from The AOL On Network's massive video library, we're able to address this issue with a steady stream of fresh, relevant content that speaks to the topics our viewers are interested in now."
The newly upgraded app will also feature ad-serving capabilities, enabling AOL advertisers to reach consumers across a variety of connected TV platforms. Campaigns will be executed via pre-roll ad units across AOL On's premium, brand-safe content.
"Demand among advertisers for connected TV inventory is incredibly high," said Ran Harnevo, Senior Vice President, Video, The AOL On Network. "With this launch, we're delivering on our promise of giving advertisers the tools to reach consumers across every screen in a high-quality, curated environment."
About TiVo
Founded in 1997, TiVo Inc. (NASDAQ: TIVO) developed the first commercially available digital video recorder (DVR), and today TiVo is a global leader in advanced television service offering products on multiple platforms and devices. TiVo offers its service directly to consumers, and also distributes its technology and services through solutions tailored for cable, satellite and broadcasting companies. Since its founding, TiVo has evolved into the ultimate single-solution media center by combining its patented DVR technologies and universal cable box capabilities with the ability to aggregate, search and deliver millions of pieces of broadband, cable and broadcast content directly to the television. TiVo also continues to weave itself into the fabric of the media industry by providing interactive advertising solutions and audience research and measurement ratings services to the television industry www.tivo.com .
TiVo and the TiVo Logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of TiVo Inc. or its subsidiaries worldwide. © 2012 TiVo Inc. All rights reserved. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
About AOL
AOL Inc. (NYSE:AOL) is a brand company, committed to continuously innovating, growing, and investing in brands and experiences that inform, entertain, and connect the world. The home of a world-class collection of premium brands, AOL creates original content that engages audiences on a local and global scale. We help marketers connect with these audiences through effective and engaging digital advertising solutions.
