Users to require a subscription to the FLO TV service

Jan 8, 2010 13:35 GMT  ·  By

FLO TV (a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc.) and mophie, a company that designs and develops accessories for Apple’s iPods, have announced their partnership to create a series of products that will bring live mobile TV to the iPhone and iPod touch.

The two companies aim to integrate the FLO TV mobile TV service with the mophie juice pack – an iPhone case that boasts a built-in battery for usage beyond the iPhone’s normal battery life. FLO TV and mophie expect the end-products to ship in the first half of 2010. A subscription to the FLO TV service will be required.

Set to launch under the name Juice Pack TV, the device is described as being the only external battery/protective case that receives the FLO TV service while extending battery life. It will also come with a built-in antenna for high-quality video reception. Customers will also benefit from full protection without a bulky device, thanks to the low profile, light weight, and soft touch design.

“We are uniting our vision of advancing mobile TV across a range of devices and platforms with mophie’s unrivaled expertise in designing intelligent cases for Apple users,” Bill Stone, president of FLO TV, said. “Together, our solution will be a true live mobile TV product available to iPhone and iPod touch users.”

“mophie’s juice pack line has delivered superior rechargeable external battery life to Apple users,” Shawn Dougherty, vice president of mophie, designer of the world’s thinnest Apple-certified external battery/protective case and other Apple-certified accessories, added. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to elevate our intelligent case design through this creative product collaboration and deliver the ultimate mobile television experience for iPhone users.”

Softpedia reported in July 2009 that, upon introducing its new Juice Pack Air case for iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS, mophie touted the product as being the first Apple-certified “Works With iPhone 3G” attached battery in the world. Unfortunately, many have reported compatibility issues with the device.