MediaKind targets Android TV market with Mediaroom Play

TV technology outfit MediaKind has launched Mediaroom Play, a new client solution that enables operators to deploy set top boxes powered by Android TV.

MediaKind said that the launch represents a significant investment in Mediaroom. Mediaroom Play is a set-top-based client solution within the MediaKind Mediaroom portfolio, developed on the Android TV operating system. The pre-integrated product includes CommScope’s new VIP7802 set-top with Broadcom’s 72180 system-on-a-chip (SoC), A Ruwido remote control unit, and support for premium streaming service applications.

MedaKind said that move ensures Mediaroom Play is a future-ready solution, with further integrations of third-party publishing applications.

The company said that Mediaroom Play not only enables operators to aggregate 7,000 applications and games available on the Google Play Store but also to open up new monetisation routes with revenue share opportunities on the Google Play Store and through Google Ads.

The custom launcher user interface enables consumers to use the set-top for gaming, utilities, communications, security, and home automation. The solution also opens up free value-added features from Google for the consumer and operator, including Google Assistant, YouTube, Accessibility Services, GOTA (the application update tool), and First Time Configuration Wizard.

Other key features of Mediaroom Play include support for the Android TV operating system Release 10 and Widevine DRM support. It also encompasses enhanced cloud DVR features and additional data/reporting/analytics capabilities, according to MediaKind.

The core Mediaroom components and primary services remain, such as live streaming, video-on-demand, timeshift TV, PF application framework, and Mediaroom audio/video delivery.

Raul Aldrey, Chief Product Officer, MediaKind, said: “We are delighted to integrate our world-leading Mediaroom media platform with Android TV by launching our new client solution, Mediaroom Play. With this major new investment, we are enabling existing and new Mediaroom customers to rapidly launch modern video services that meet today’s consumers’ needs while also encompassing the vast array of converged experiences offered by Android TV. This pre-integrated, robust solution enables our customers to evolve from being video-only service providers to multi-service providers, tapping into Android TV’s abundant consumer experience offerings.”