MUMBAI: At the 3GSM World Congress in Spain US broadcaster MTV Networks and Adobe Systems are previewing new mobile media applications featuring exclusive MTV Networks programming and leveraging Adobe Flash technology.
The mobile media applications, available later this year, will deliver music, comedy and entertainment content from the MTV, VH1, Logo and Comedy Central brands directly to handsets that support Adobe FlashCast.
The new FlashCast channels are the latest example of the ongoing alliance between Adobe and Viacom. Last year the two companies announced that Adobe would serve as the preferred technology provider for rich media authoring tools and interactive online video solutions for Viacom’s extensive array of television, motion picture and digital properties.
In September, a number of new casual games based on franchises like Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and MTV’s Pimp My Ride were published as part of the Shockwave Minis launch using Adobe’s Flash Lite technology. Additionally, several of MTV Networks’ broadband channels – including COMEDYCENTRAL.com, MTV.com, VSPOT at VH1.com, LOADED at CMT.com, LogoOnline, and TurboNick at Nick.com – have since standardised on Flash technology to deliver streaming video.
MTV Mobile Media senior VP Greg Clayman says, “The MTV, VH1, Comedy Central and Logo FlashCast channels that we are jointly demonstrating at 3GSM are indicative of the rich experiences that can be created on the handset when the power of programming meets the power of technology. With FlashCast technology, we’re able to create innovative mobile experiences that allow our viewers to connect with the music, comedy and entertainment programming they love.”
Adobe senior VP mobile and device solutions Al Ramadan says, “Viacom is at the forefront of defining great mobile experiences and we are excited that our partner is choosing Flash to make it happen.
“The first results of our partnership can be seen in our booth at 3GSM demonstrating our commitment to working closely together in the future to advance the innovation of mobile experiences.”
Adobe’s FlashCast is a client-server solution that delivers mobile data experiences. Building applications with FlashCast technology gives MTV another option to quickly and easily extend the reach of its premium programming to the handset, connecting viewers with their favorite content wherever they are. The MTV FlashCast channel, for instance, features artist interviews, features and breaking stories from MTV News, as well as news for the game community.
The VH1 application features the Best Week Ever blog and VH1 news; the Logo channel features its popular NewNowNext blog as well as programming from the recently acquired 365 Gay, After Ellen and After Elton web sites; and the Comedy Central FlashCast application features jokes, Booty Call pick-up lines, What’s Your Sign horoscopes and more.
