The mobile version (m-EPG) of the FOXTEL TV Guide is a service that allows any FOXTEL subscriber with a 3G phone to remotely update their iQ set-top recording schedule - anytime,
anywhere.
The Challenge
Following successful development of FOXTEL by Mobile on the BigPond network, FOXTEL engaged Hyro in early 2007 to work on a mobile service to complement their extremely successful online Electronic Programme Guide(EPG).
The critical objective: setting a programme recording had to be effortless. Because this application would also have to handle over 80 channels for seven days, it had to balance two critical requirements: ease of use; and maximum efficiency in obtaining and presenting schedule data.
The Digital Business Solution
Hyro determined that the optimal solution was to build the FOXTEL TV Guide as a J2ME application – this allows access to a broad base of 3G users and allows the user interaction to be much more responsive.
The challenge that remained lay in handling the huge quantity of schedule data - this was addressed by using handset detection to deliver views that matched the handset screen. This resulted in very short wait times, particularly on the Telstra Next-G network.
The application stores the user’s login details which means that after the initial setup the FOXTEL TV Guide access is both effortless and fast. Personalisation features also allow users to nominate selected channels for preference viewing.
Simple scrolling navigation in conjunction with numeric shortcuts and features - such as one-click recording and one-click SMS alerts - means that forgetting a favourite show is now a bad memory of the VCR era.
Success Achived
- It’s the first of its kind in Australia and is available both on the Telstra portal and off-deck.
- The EPG offers a fantastic user experience, a really compelling application that makes recording programs an absolute breeze.
- Awarded the 2008 MMA Award for Most Creative Mobile Solution, for utility and churn reduction.