AOL (NYSE: AOL) On Network has launched version 2.0 of a connected-TV app that is says offers a selection of high definition content from a library of more than 380,000 short-form videos.
At the same time AOL upgraded the app, it changed the product's name from AOL HD to AOL On and made it available on Samsung (OTC: SSNLF) Smart TVs, Roku and Sony (NYSE: SNE) platforms. A TiVo Premiere version is in beta and will be available "in the coming weeks," an AOL news release said.
The new app has a redesigned user interface to present content from Moviefone, Engadget and HuffPost Entertainment as well as high definition videos from AOL On Networks' premium content partners Reuters, The Associated Press, BBC, Newsy, Entertainment Tonight, Sugar, E!, Splash News, CNET and Gourmet TV.
The goal of the app--and this has to delight TV manufacturers--is to make connected TV worth the effort of watching.
"One of the primary barriers to mainstream adoption of connected TVs has been the lack of good content," Rob DelaCruz, general manager, Connected TV and Mobile Video, for the AOL On Network, said in the news release. "By drawing from the AOL On Network's massive library, we're able to address this issue with a steady stream fresh, relevant content that speaks to the topics our viewers are interested in now."
Once people are watching content, it's a good time to start making money on them so the new app features ad-serving capabilities that let AOL advertisers tap consumers on a variety of connected TV platforms via pre-roll ad units across AOL On's premium content.
"Demand among advertisers for connected-TV inventory is incredibly high," according to Ran Harnevo, senior vice president, video, for 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."
For more:
- see the release
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