Ixonos and Maxicaster Pilot Mobile TV Onboard Viking Line´s Tallinn Route - Making Viking Line XPRS the First Ship on the Baltic Sea Providing Mobile TV to Passengers
HELSINKI, June 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --
Viking Line wants to cherish the unforgettable sports summer filled with Rio Olympics
and UEFA Euro2016Â
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.
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 -Â 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. Â Â
IxonosÂ
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
MaxicasterÂ
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
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Contacts:Â
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Ixonos Plc:Â
Mikko Sjöblom, Business Development DirectorÂ
Tel. +358-44-2733188Â
mikko.sjoblom@ixonos.com Â
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Viking Line:Â
Gustaf Eklund, Head of Customer Business DevelopmentÂ
Tel. +358-40-671-9711Â
gustaf.eklund@vikingline.com Â
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MaxicasterÂ
Tommi Blom, CEOÂ
Tel. +358-50-598-6509Â
tommi.blom@maxicaster.fi Â