Absolute Radio goes on connected TVs

Absolute Radio’s portfolio of stations are now available connected TV sets through a partnership with Samsung.

The group’s 8 radio services have gone live on the brand’s Smart TV platform via an app designed in-house by the team at One Golden Square.

The Samsung Smart Hub interface allows one-click access to all Absolute Radio audio streaming in High Quality, with tabbed navigation that enables the user to easily switch between stations and shows using their TV’s remote control. Real time ‘Now Playing’ and ‘Up Next’ information is included, alongside track artwork and Twitter messages from the on-air presenter.

QR codes are also a feature giving smart phone consumers the ability to find out more by scanning the QR code from selected marketing banners on screen with their smartphones and tablets. Users will have access to a wide variety of products including the free Absolute Radio Rock ‘N’ Roll Football Live Scores app – the station’s fully loaded Barclays Premier League commentary and match day centre application.

The app was designed at Absolute Radio and built by the TV App Agency.

Darren Petersen, Content Services Manager – Smart TV, Samsung UK said: “The addition of Absolute Radio to our Samsung Apps store shows that media companies are fully embracing the Smart TV platform as a way of reaching more people. We are very excited about launching the UKs favourite radio station as a Smart TV App and look forward to evolving the service in the future.”

Absolute’s Technology Director Paul Brown added: “Absolute Radio continues to pioneer the digital market. Our ambition to grow the brand has been clear with our strong mobile strategy and now with our new Smart TV apps we’re adding to this. Smart TV is already in many homes and with higher than expected growth for 2012 it’s clear that we need to be available on this platform as soon as possible.”