German Multimedia Awards 'Mobile' Category Winner Puts VoiceObjects technology in the Spotlight
News broadcaster n-tv runs first video news product for mobile phones using VoiceObjects
SAN MATEO, Calif., June 19, 2008 — VoiceObjects (www.VoiceObjects.com) , the personalized self-service phone company, announced today that VoiceObjects Media Mixer solution was used to power the award winning n-tv mobile video news application, which was selected as the winning solution in the 'Mobile' category at the German Multimedia Awards 2008.
aperto move GmbH integrated VoiceObjects technology for developing the first full-video service for mobile use for news broadcaster n-tv, which began as a pilot project as part of CeBIT 2008. This application runs on the VoiceObjects phone application server. Using VoiceObjects Media Mixer, producers can integrate videos produced by n-tv, add graphical overlays, menus, and scrolling banners, edit the service in real time, and convert the service to a format suitable for display on mobile phones. The video call function enables n-tv content to be downloaded without the need for an additional internet connection and without the expense of additional data transfer costs.
"With VoiceObjects Media Mixer we have created an alternative for the end-consumer to the sluggish DVB-T and DVB-H-based solutions offered by our competitors. The fact that broadcaster n-tv chose VoiceObjects to develop its innovation lead in news TV is particularly gratifying. And the German Multimedia Awards prize lends this project exceptional prestige," said Michael Codini, Managing Director and Chief Technology Officer at VoiceObjects.
It took only 2 weeks to develop and implement the first mobile video news product based on the n-tv Kompakt format of '99-second NEWS', '66-second BUSINESS' and '33-second WEATHER'. VoiceObjects was responsible for the technical implementation of the project and their partner, aperto move, created the solution concept.
The use of speed-dial number '22868' raises the concept to the level of a workable business model. The new service is the first moderated video calling product to be available on all German mobile networks by dialling the same number. To receive the "n-tv video news Kompakt" users make a video call to '22868' from their mobile phone (69 ct/min).
According to Managing Director Jan Gessenhardt from aperto move, "We are delighted to have received this accolade from the GMMA jury and see this as confirmation of the important role assigned to mobile services in customer retention these days. In saturated markets in particular, services that offer genuine use value become a central element in customer retention. The mobile phone is the number one customer contact point and the key to success."
About VoiceObjects
VoiceObjects is redefining automated phone-based customer service for global 500 enterprises and mobile carriers. By delivering personalized self-service solutions, VoiceObjects enables organizations to enhance each user experience, integrate phone self-service into comprehensive customer service strategies and manage phone self-service applications residing on VoiceXML-based IVR platforms. VoiceObjects is used by leading companies including Adobe, Hershey’s, T-Mobile, Vodafone and Volkswagen Financial Services, providing personalized customer service experiences to more than 500 million callers each year. VoiceObjects is privately held and headquartered in San Mateo, CA. For more information visit www.VoiceObjects.com
Media Contacts
Kelly Cytron
+1 415 271 3638
kcytron@voiceobjects.com
Europe
Sabine Winterkamp
+49 (0)2204 / 845-142
swinterkamp@voiceobjects.com
