14 DAY TRIAL // MobiTV unveiled details about the next version of its MobiTV service. Scheduled for release in February 2007, the new version will provide mobile carriers, content partners and advertisers with new ways to interact with TV subscribers.
One of the new features added to the service is interactive advertising. MobiTV's advertising platform, launched last year, now enables advertisers to provide consumer-activated offers alongside video advertisements. For example, when a subscriber sees an ad for a car, he can click a button to enter his zip code and find the nearest dealership, or view a special long-form advertisement showcasing the manufacturer's product. MobiTV provides advertisers a variety of options to quickly deliver relevant information requested by viewers, such as nearest retail location, promotional coupon codes, WAP-based surveys/contests and 800 numbers.
Another enhancement of the MobiTV service enables carriers, content partners and advertisers to present buy offers to users related to the content they view. For example, while a user is watching one of MobiTV's music videos channels, a button will appear alongside the video allowing the user to purchase a ring-tone, wallpaper or concert tickets for the corresponding artist. Also, while a user is watching a movie trailer they would enter their zip code and a button will appear allowing them to view local show times and/or purchase movie tickets.
MobiTV's interactive platform can also be extended to enable end-users to initiate direct interaction with the content they are viewing, through voting, rating and polling. Users will be able to vote for their favorite dancer or singer during network programs, interact with one another, thus building a mobile community connected to other media platforms.
"Not only have we launched the latest in a series of feature-rich MobiTV service updates, we have connected the dots between advertisers, the entertainment industry, and consumers to make everyone's media experience more relevant and meaningful," said Dr. Phillip Alvelda, CEO, chairman and co-founder of MobiTV. "We pride ourselves on leading the convergence of the television, wireless and PC markets and this new release is a tremendous win for everyone."