UK-listed media company British Sky Broadcasting Group (BSkyB) has taken a 10% stake in internet television company Zeebox as part of a "multi-million pound" strategic partnership.
Sky, BSkyB’s satellite service, will be the only TV platform in the UK to use its technology in its applications, the company said yesterday.
Zeebox is led by Anthony Rose, who developed UK television company BBC’s iPlayer, a streaming product, and Ernesto Schmitt, a former EMI board director.
The company’s prodct is available on iPhone, the iPad and the internet and provides users access to Twitter, Facebook and other information, while they watch television programmes, also allowing them to buy products they see on television. Sky is also bringing out a Zeebox-powered Sky app later this year, which will allow users to access Sky remotely using Zeebox.
Emma Lloyd, Sky’s director of emerging products, said: "Sky took an early position of leadership with companion devices, having recognised the demand from our customers to use second screens to discover, enjoy and interact with their favourite content. The integration of Zeebox’s innovative technology will enable us to make the companion device experience even richer and more engaging. We know that millions of our customers have smartphones and tablets and regularly use them to engage with Sky on mobile devices, so it’s a natural next step for us."