HELSINKI, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Viking Line wants to cherish the unforgettable sports summer filled with Rio Olympics and UEFA Euro2016
Viking Line´s TV pilot is integrated with the existing mobile passenger application to provide integrated digital user experience. The new mobile video streaming capability for Viking Line App has been designed and delivered in close collaboration with Ixonos, specialized in user experience design and Maxicaster, a video technology provider. The Viking Line App, launched originally a year ago, is a joint platform for online shopping, onboard communications, onboard social media activity and data transfer between ships and the land organization.
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The passengers of Viking XPRS can watch e.g. UEFA Euro2016 games and Rio Olympics in High Definition. The channels available in the video streaming pilot include also premium channels such as CNN, Cartoon Network and Boomerang, so also families travelling with kids can also enjoy live TV and childrens content while travelling on the Helsinki-Tallinn route.
"The mobile app we launched last September has been one of the first onboard applications in theworld and has made Viking Line the pioneer in utilizing digitalization in passenger traffic. Our app has been well received, and this summer we want to delight our Tallinn route passengers with live TV - watchable in their own smartphones or tablets. For sports lovers Rio Olympics and UEFA Euro2016 are major highlights of the year. There will be games that most of the people do not want to miss. Bringing TV to everyones´ mobile device also serves frequent route travellers," says Gustaf Eklund, Head of Customer Business Development.
Viking Line sees digitalization as a possibility to improve customer experience, build loyalty, enhance business efficiency and find new revenue models. The Viking Line App operates in the boat´s internal network which ensures its service ability even while Internet connection is limited. In addition to the new video streaming service, customers can plan their trip, design their own cruise programme, browse tax free products as well as make shopping lists. The app includes social media feature that allows guests to exchange messages onboard with their fellow travelers using their mobile devices and also to connect with likeminded people. The solution keeps the passengers aware on what´s happening right now onboard and makes it easy for them to get most out of their time on-board.
"This solution is a perfect example of a bigger global trend called In-Venue concepts where we see digital touchpoints merging with physical world to produce holistic and omnichannel service experiences. Today more and more venue and transportation operators are also looking at digital content as an enabler for new business and customer experience. For example Norwegian airline has brought live-TV to flights six months ago and Virgin Trains in UK just released their video infotainment system last week. The ship itself is a challenging environment for digitalization due to limited connectivity. With Maxicaster satellite services and unique competences on video streaming we have been able to design a functional, user friendly and reliable solution to work onboard out in the sea. It is great to work together with Viking Line and Maxicaster teams in the process of creating unique user experiences of the new era - being the first on the Baltic Sea," says Mikko Sjöblom, Business Development Director, Ixonos.
The new 4 month TV pilot on Viking Line XPRS begins on June 29, 2016 - a perfect timing to delight all summer sports fans and families travelling with kids. UEFA Euro2016 takes place in France during June 10 - July 10 and the Olympics will be held on August 5 - August 21 in Rio.
The application is available for free download to iOS and Android smartphones from AppStore and GooglePlay.
Ixonos
Ixonos is a creative technology company. We dream, design and deliver powerful user experiences and sustainable solutions based on Internet, cloud and mobile technologies. We realise innovative dreams with unparalleled design and impeccable technical delivery. Our customers are leading brands across the globe. Our value stems from our ability to design comprehensive digital solutions that increase competitiveness, productivity and customer loyalty. We're designers, engineers, strategists, innovators; 300 individuals working together in Finland, Great Britain and North America. Ixonos Plc is listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki Ltd. http://www.ixonos.com
Maxicaster
Maxicaster is a company specialized in frontrunner consumer entertainment services and in B2B services for IPTV and streaming video solutions. Maxicaster has over 30 years of experience in TV related businesses and entertainment solutions. Maxicaster is a fully hosted and operated online TV and multiscreen solution. Our vision is to enlighten TV viewers´ daily life with vanguard league TV services that can be used with different types of mobile devices, wherever and whenever the occasion. http://www.maxicaster.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=foSe2oYCJNM
Contacts:
Ixonos Plc:
Mikko Sjöblom, Business Development Director
Tel. +358-44-2733188
mikko.sjoblom@ixonos.com
Viking Line:
Gustaf Eklund, Head of Customer Business Development
Tel. +358-40-671-9711
gustaf.eklund@vikingline.com
Maxicaster
Tommi Blom, CEO
Tel. +358-50-598-6509
tommi.blom@maxicaster.fi
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