France Telecom – Orange | July 12, 2011 | Press Release
With social networks and multi-screen functions now part of everyday life, you no longer want to wait until the following day before you can talk about and comment on the TV shows you watch. Was the presenter a bore? Did the singers do a great job? Did the umpire have his eyes shut throughout the match? What you want is to make comments in real time using your smartphone. That’s why on July 12th, Orange is launching a free application called TVcheck which offers a new communication and game experience based on TV content to all iPhone users, whatever operator they use. “We are all looking for shared digital experiences to stay connected with others. With TVcheck, there’s no need to wait until the next day to talk about a good show seen the evening before. One can immediately do it when sitting in front of the TV in the living room”, said Patrice Slupowski, VP Digital Innovation & Communities. Currently available for iPhone, the application will soon be made available for other mobile operating systems.
TVcheck, a dedicated social app for TV content
Unlike ordinary social networks, TVcheck is a dedicated social network for TV targeting both occasional and serious TV watchers. The application allows users to share their thoughts on the show they are watching thanks to a number of social features such as status updates, comments and program recommendations. Users will be able to log in using their Facebook credentials, making it easy for them to add friends’ from their Facebook account. Each user has their own profile, which gives them access to an activity log, messages and friends and enables them to display their favourite programs using the “I like” function on each program’s page.
Program pages also allow users to recommend the program to their friends. During the broadcast, members can view all the comments made on that page. You can then easily add friends to your network by contacting members with the same television interests as yourself.
Scan and share your favourite shows
TVcheck is the first application for iPhone that offers automatic program identification based on visual recognition technology. The application recognises shows broadcast on the 19 French DTTV channels. Based on the automatic detection function, discussing what you watch on TV is now an even more enjoyable experience. What’s more, you no longer have to look at the TV guide, just trust your friends’.
Play and watch TV at the same time
TVcheck offers users a new TV experience by combining the power of the social network with games. All popular programs have their own badge. By using the check function, you can win points which go towards badges.
The most actively involved users win the title of ‘Master’, i.e. the member who has won the most number of points on a program or channel. TVcheck also offers a number of surprises to Masters, including the chance to watch their TV shows being recorded.
