Following the lead of rivals Comcast and DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable has announced that today it is adding live programming to its TWC TV app. Currently content is only available to subscribers who own Apple tablets or smartphones but they will introduce the new programming to other platforms later this year. As of today the live channels include; the Big Ten Network, the Pac-12 Network, BBC America, beIN Sports, FearNet, GMC and some local outlets.
Time Warner Cable COO Rob Marcus told analysts on an earnings call in January that Time Warner was working on signing deals with programmers that include rights to out-of-home viewing. He said the TWC TV app generated more than 750,000 unique users in December. Many of the largest programmers, including Walt Disney Co. and TWC sister company Turner Networks, have not made agreements yet which include content streaming however as content deals come up for renewal this cable-industry shift toward "TV Everywhere" will prevail as the MVPD's push the content providers for broader carriage deals. MORE - 04/17/13 Rapid TV News - Time Warner Cable adds out-of-home access to TV everywhere app
Video streaming solutions start-up Ooyala has launched a new product called Twitter Video Card, which it actually developed in collaboration with Twitter. Twitter Video Card allows Ooyala customers to embed videos directly inside their tweets. It shows up as a thumbnail in the Twitter stream, which followers can click on to play without having to leave the social media site. Since Ooyala worked with Twitter on the Twitter Video Card, the product has received official certification from the social media company. This means the embedded videos will be accessible across all Twitter platforms, including its desktop and mobile websites, as well as its native apps for iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Congrats to both ESPN and Pac-12 for launching this innovative video technology. When TV broadcasters deliver video directly to their Twitter followers, they connect with viewers in new and meaningful ways. They are also redefining the television experience by making it mobile, social and fun. Check out the customized look and feel of the Pac-12 player, tucked inside a tweet.
According to Ooyala release, the Twitter Video Card is also armed with the company's proprietary video discovery technology, which will algorithmically surface relevant videos once a user has finished watching a particular clip. Using Pac-12 as an example, the Ooyala player within the tweet will be able to recommend a post-game press conference clip to a user who has just watched highlights from that game. For advertisers, Ooyala notes that Twitter Video Cards will be able to tie ads (presumably pre-rolls) to the embedded videos.
Following the lead of rivals Comcast and DIRECTV, Time Warner Cable has announced that today it is adding live programming to its TWC TV app. Currently content is only available to subscribers who own Apple tablets or smartphones but they will introduce the new programming to other platforms later this year. As of today the live channels include; the Big Ten Network, the Pac-12 Network, BBC America, beIN Sports, FearNet, GMC and some local outlets. 
