Samsung gets exclusive access to new Android ITV Player app until August 31st
While we've seen broadcasters and other content providers launch smart TV apps with only one manufacturer, ITV's decided to give Samsung rare exclusive Android access to its ITV Player. The Korean outfit announced it would get the refreshed app all to itself until August 31st, meaning Brits who use the previous, Android-agnostic ITV Player will have to forego the new version until that time. The update now includes landscape navigation support for smartphones and tablets, along with 3G/4G streaming, improved video playback and support for older versions of Android. ITV says it's offering the app exclusively to Samsung "for an initial period while we endeavor to optimize and improve the experience before releasing to other device manufacturers." Oddly enough, Samsung didn't mention that beta-testing aspect in its own PR, which is right after the break.
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SAMSUNG ENTERS EXCLUSIVE PARTNERSHIP WITH ITV TO MAKE ITV PLAYER APP AVAILABLE ON DEVICES
Android app available exclusively to Samsung customers until 31 August 2013
9 May 2013, London, UK – Samsung Mobile today announced it has entered an exclusive fixed term partnership with ITV to offer the new ITV Player app on its Android devices. Available now and exclusive to Samsung customers until 31 August, the ITV Player app will provide access to the last thirty days of ITV's catch-up content across ITV, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4 and CITV while you're out and about, including all the network's favourites from popular soaps such as Coronation Street to factual documentaries, dramas and films.
The new user interface dynamically scales to a range of screen sizes, has an improved playback experience with simpler video profiles, and is supported over 3G/4G as well as Gingerbread (2.3+), Honeycomb, Jelly Bean and Ice Cream Sandwich operating systems. Using the app it will be possible to browse recommended programmes, search for your favourite shows by TV channel or alphabetically on your mobile device, meaning you can enjoy ITV content On Demand and from any location*.
Free to download now via Samsung Apps and Google Play and offering unlimited usage, ITV Player will be available on a range of Samsung Android tablet and smartphone devices, including the new Galaxy S4, the Galaxy Note 8.0 and the Galaxy Mega, whilst it has also been optimised for the Galaxy S III, Galaxy SII, Galaxy Note II, Note and Galaxy Note 10.1. The app is also available to view over 3G, 4G and WiFi networks.
James Micklethwait, Online Product Director, ITV said: "We are very excited to have launched the new ITV Player app on Samsung devices. The fragmentation of the Android ecosystem is well known therefore, as a commercial broadcaster, it makes sense for us to partner with the leading manufacturer of Android devices to further increase our technical knowledge of the operating system. We plan to launch the app onto other Android devices in the future."
Simon Stanford, Vice President of IM Division, Samsung UK and Ireland said: "At Samsung, we are committed to providing our customers with the latest range of content and apps. People are increasingly watching programmes on their way to work, between meetings or on holiday, and this partnership means they can now catch up on their favourite ITV programmes on our devices wherever and whenever they choose."
