UK-based Zeebox, a social app for TV shows, has undergone a rebrand and is now called Beamly. It has re-launched with a new interface and added functionality.
Beamly’s main backer, broadcaster BSkyB, moved quickly to invest in the service just a few months after it launched in late 2011, striking a deal worth $15m for a 10% equity stake.
Sky’s investment allowed Beamly to push on in other markets and it subsequently struck up partnerships with US-based media companies including Comcast, Viacom and NBC Universal, all of which bought minority stakes in the company for an undisclosed amount, and HBO. Beamly also expanded into Australia in late 2012, forming partnerships with veteran broadcaster Network Ten and Foxtel.
The new version of the app will incorporate the company’s existing social TV guide, but will seek to build on it by adding social networking features such as individualised chatrooms for different shows.