(Image Credit: iStockPhoto/Geber86)
Ericsson has announced strategic partnerships with Google and BT Sport as it aims to deliver the next generation of entertainment using its latest technologies.
Under the agreement with Google, Ericsson will extend the reach of its MediaFirst TV Platform into the Android TV ecosystem. MediaFirst is a cloud-based platform that enables creation, preparation, management and delivery of pay-TV services to any screen.
Integrating the MediaFirst TV Platform with Android TV creates an additional route for deploying Ericsson’s cloud-based TV services — including 4K UHD live channels, video-on-demand, catch-up TV and cloud DVR — to a broader subscriber base.
“By expanding our range of set-top box options, we give MediaFirst TV customers the opportunity to deliver large-scale, cutting-edge video services and respond to the rapid adoption of smart devices, broadband connectivity and cloud-based delivery,” said Shiva Patibanda, Head of Business Line TV Platforms at Ericsson. “Our partnership with Google will empower operators of all sizes to monetise and collaborate via Android TV, enabling them to integrate Pay TV services with Android TV applications and OTT services for a seamless viewer experience.”
Ericsson’s ConsumerLab research shows strong consumer interest in bundled services: 56 percent of people prefer to receive TV, internet and mobile services from the same provider if it saves money, and 22 percent would accept a bundled offer even if it costs the same as buying each service separately. The MediaFirst and Android TV integration aims to deliver a one-stop shop for OTT content that supports these consumer preferences.
Separately, Ericsson’s collaboration with BT Sport will bring advanced sports coverage through integration with Ericsson’s Piero Augmented Reality service — BT Sport is the first broadcaster to adopt the system. Piero allows broadcasters to overlay real-time 3D graphics during live studio productions and sports events, enriching analysis and presentation.
BT Sport COO Jamie Hindhaugh commented: “We’re always looking to enhance the quality of our coverage and presentation. We’re excited to work with Ericsson and to be first to use Piero Augmented Reality. This new technology will improve our coverage and analysis and ultimately the viewer experience.”
These partnerships reflect Ericsson’s push to combine cloud-based video platforms, smart-device ecosystems and immersive broadcast tools to create flexible distribution options and richer viewing experiences for operators and audiences alike.
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