Zeebox social remote control app now available for Irish TV viewers and broadcasters

11 Dec 2012

Zeebox, the app that turns your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch device into a social media-oriented remote control perfect for the second-screen experience, is now available on iTunes for users in the Republic of Ireland. An Android version will become available in Google Play later this week.

Millions of Sky subscribers in the UK use Zeebox on iOS devices as a seamless remote control for their Sky+ or Virgin TiVo boxes.

It is understood that Irish broadcasters will soon be given access to Zeebox’s Openbox API, which is used by content rights owners to connect directly with fans through live interactions and social engagement.

It also lets broadcasters monetise the second screen (aka, your mobile device) alongside TV ads through synchronised target advertising and affiliate links.

If TV viewers are using their traditional remote controls to change channels, Zeebox detects it instantly and offers to switch Zeebox to the corresponding show page, keeping them at the heart of the social buzz about popular shows, such as The X-Factor.

“We believe seamless remote control is one of those killer features – integrated with our content, almost invisible, but completely embedded with the consumer experience,” said Anthony Rose, co-founder and CTO of Zeebox.

“And we are of course delighted to extend our reach to the Republic of Ireland with the launch of our app there.”

The app can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store and will be available for Android users later this week on Google Play.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com