Gail Chiasson, North American Editor
Akoo International, Chicago-based media and technology innovator, has been awarded new patents in major global markets – including Canada, Australia, and Israel – for its interactive technology, which allows smartphones and tablets to search and select on-demand television content via mobile app or text messaging.
Akoo already holds patents for the technology in the United States, China, Russia and Mexico.
“Akoo’s technology has been proven in the marketplace, successfully integrating TV, mobile, social and local to deliver magnetic and rewarding consumer entertainment experiences in out-of-home environments,” says Niko Drakoulis, Akoo CEO. “Our vision is integrating Akoo’s technology in set-top boxes, media servers, game consoles, and TV apps to drive the next generation of in-home on-demand television experiences.”
A recent study by Altman Vilandrie & Company, Boston, and Research Now. London, U.K., found that nearly half of TV viewers aged 18-34 would prefer their smartphone or tablet over their remote to control their TV.
Akoo’s technology supports plug-ins for on-demand and subscription billing services and includes advanced ad delivery capabilities that drive targeted advertising based on individual profiles, rather than geography, household, or demographic.
“We think the market is ready for this, and, while our DOOH TV network offering and its new production are our prime concern, our long-term vision is for our technology’s use in-home, as well,” says Andy Stankiewicz, Akoo’s executive vice-president and chief communications officer. “We’re currently evaluating various scenarios. We’re creating an entertainment brand in the DOOH space, and see that it can be extended across into the in-home market, as well.
“A lot of the funtionality is the same, and we think that consumers are going to demand this, going forward. Our patent allows activation of on-demand content beyond what we believe anyone else offers.”
Akoo’s technology currently powers the Company’s out-of-home television network, which research firm Nielsen recently certified as having the largest audience of any U.S. digital out-of-home network reporting age 12+. Akoo’s television network is available throughout the U.S. in 161 ‘Akoo Pavilions’, which attract 64 million consumers each month in the most highly trafficked seating environments across premier shopping malls.
In addition to making on-demand content selections using their personal mobile devices, visitors to Akoo Pavilions can access free Wi-Fi services, connect with friends via Facebook and Twitter, and receive mobile coupons and exclusive special offers.
Viewers spend an average 20 minutes per visit seated in front of Akoo’s programming, Nielsen research certifies, an on-demand transaction occurring every four seconds on the network. As a result of this consumer engagement, Akoo drives unmatched marketing effectiveness and ROI for its brand advertisers.
Akoo is a sponsor of the upcoming Digital Place-based Advertising Association’s 2011 Digital Media Summit, and will be demonstrating its in-home on-demand possibilities at the event.
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