Consolidation in the TV and multiscreen app space is inevitable, though we are still some way off a ‘super app’, in the view GW Shaw, VP, U-verse and video product marketing, AT&T.
Speaking in a panel discussion entitled Exploring TV apps and second screen strategies, Dan Chronell, director of product development, Freesat, said there was nevertheless a process, or movement in this direction, with a main app needed from one’s TV operator.
Gareth Capon, product development director, BSkyB, was of the view that the thousands of TV apps currently available present a challenge and Zeebox was a platform designed to bring them all to one place.
Ralf Jacob, head of interactive business development, Viacom, said he did not think there would be a Viacom app. From a consumer perspective, you have a TV, not a Viacom or a BBC TV.
TV apps should also be seen as a general utility.