Mike Ryan’s Post

Poor testing is the silent killer of OTT apps, and it's costing media companies millions. I've witnessed it first-hand: Media companies invest millions in app development and many never launch. Why? Rejection at certification. Innovation excitement quickly turns to frustration and financial strain. This goes beyond technical glitches. It's about delayed market entry, budget overruns, and missed opportunities. Time-to-market extends. Budgets spiral. Competitors gain ground. Most of these issues are preventable with the right testing approach. And I'm speaking from recent experience. We helped our partners at mitú launch on Comcast X1 in less than 30 days! Here's what every streaming media provider should do to ensure a smoother launch: - Set regular check-ins to review progress against OEM requirements. - Get a detailed breakdown of your vendor's certification process. - Verify your vendor tests on actual devices, not just emulators. - Document all use cases. Create comprehensive test cases. - Establish a clear escalation process for certification issues. - Communicate constantly with OEM developer teams. - Join OEM developer programs for real-time updates. - Work with the latest certification checklist. Always. - Ask for platform-specific optimization strategies. Have you gotten stuck in the app certification vortex? What was the issue? How long did it take to resolve? Drop it in the comments - I'd love to hear about it. ------------------------ If you found this helpful, consider reposting ♻️ and follow me: Mike Ryan 👉 {{🔔}}

📺 OTT viewers are consuming content on various devices, right from mobile apps and connected TVs to traditional pay-TV services. How to coordinate these varied channels on entitlements, pricing, and data? Find out about our innovation in introducing flexibility to integrate content distribution channels quickly and easily. Explore on our blog: https://lnkd.in/gF-RpT5d

One just learned the importance of good User Experience, and the cost of a bad one. “The decision to tap a new CEO comes after several months of turmoil at Sonos. In May, the company rolled out a new mobile app — the software consumers use to control their speakers and other equipment — that was riddled with bugs. Among the problems, the user interface confused customers, lost key accessibility features, and removed capabilities like the sleep timer and alarms.” #ux #userexperience #design #appdesign #technology https://lnkd.in/gQ_4nhen

Inconsistent device platform quality can be a frustrating challenge for OTT providers, especially when users experience varying performance across different devices. This is a pain point I recently discussed with a product owner at a public broadcaster. Their service is facing significant quality inconsistencies across device platforms, leading to increased support costs, especially on lower-traffic devices. ❓ The Challenge: When a platform performs well on some devices but poorly on others, it erodes user trust and increases churn. Even on lower-traffic platforms, subpar performance leads to increased support costs and technical debt, draining valuable resources. 💡 The Solution: Standardize quality across device platforms. Here are a few ways to accomplish this: ✅ Optimize SDKs and Codebases: Implement tools that help optimize performance across all platforms, ensuring a consistent user experience regardless of device. ✅ Focus on Data-Driven QA: Use real-time monitoring and automated testing across platforms to identify and resolve quality issues early. ✅ Prioritize High-Impact Platforms: Although all platforms need attention, focus on optimizing performance on devices where the majority of your audience engages, and then subsequently tackle what you can for your lower traffic platforms. By investing in the right technology stack and QA processes, you can reduce support costs, enhance user satisfaction, and build a seamless experience across all platforms. How are you managing quality across different platforms? Let’s discuss solutions! #OTTplatforms #UserExperience #FocusOnQuality #DigitalStrategy

🌍 In today's cost-conscious world, telecom and pay-TV operators are challenged to reduce costs while simultaneously enhancing user experiences. Our latest article on 3Ready+ discusses how technologies like #LightningJS, React Native, and #Flutter are being used to upgrade legacy set-top boxes efficiently. These upgrades improve user experiences without costly hardware changes, aligning perfectly with consumer expectations. 🚀 Discover how this strategic approach benefits operators, viewers, and the environment. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dqGMrWfu 📌 Don't have a #3Ready+ account yet? Register here: https://lnkd.in/dbwsjsx5 #STB

From Black Box to Brain Box: Apple TV's Journey to Spatial Computing In the ever-evolving landscape of home entertainment, few devices have undergone as dramatic a transformation as the Apple TV. From its humble beginnings as a set-top box to its integration with cutting-edge spatial computing technology, Apple TV has consistently pushed the boundaries of how we consume media The Early Days: A "Hobby" Project When Steve Jobs introduced the first-generation Apple TV in 2007, he famously called it a "hobby." This understated launch belied the device's potential to revolutionize our living rooms. Initially designed as a way to bridge iTunes content to the big screen, the early Apple TV was essentially a hard drive with an HDMI port. The App Store Revolution The real game-changer came in 2015 with the 4th generation Apple TV. By introducing tvOS and opening up an App Store for the platform, Apple transformed the device from a simple media player into a full-fledged entertainment hub. Suddenly, users could play games, shop, and access a wide array of streaming services all from one sleek device. The Apple TV App: Content Curation Gets Smart As streaming services proliferated, finding content became increasingly challenging. Enter the Apple TV app in 2019. This software solution, available across Apple devices, aimed to unify the viewing experience by aggregating content from various services. Its AI-driven recommendations and universal search feature simplified content discovery, making it easier for users to find what they want to watch. The Next Frontier: Spatial Computing with Apple Vision Pro The latest chapter in Apple TV's evolution is perhaps its most exciting. With the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro, Apple is set to redefine what it means to watch TV. This isn't just a new device; it's a new paradigm for entertainment consumption. Interactive Entertainment With the Apple Vision Pro, the line between passive viewing and active participation blurs. Interactive elements can now be seamlessly integrated into the viewing experience, allowing users to engage with content in ways previously unimaginable. Looking Ahead: The Future of Apple TV As we look to the future, it's clear that Apple TV is no longer just a device or an app—it's evolving into a comprehensive entertainment experience. The integration with Apple Vision Pro represents a significant leap forward, but it's likely just the beginning. We can anticipate further advancements in areas such as: - Social viewing experiences in virtual spaces - AI-generated content tailored to individual viewers - Seamless integration with smart home systems for truly immersive environments From its origins as a "hobby" to its future as a cornerstone of spatial computing, Apple TV's journey reflects Apple's commitment to innovation in the entertainment space. As we stand on the brink of this new era, one thing is certain: the way we experience television and media will never be the same.

Top 5 incredible features of entertainment & media software Technology advancement has brought an incredible change in the Entertainment industry. The amazing visuals on screen with effective sound effects which we experience today are the result of a tremendous digital revolution. The unavoidable use of the internet and seamless media accessibility has made our lives much easier. People often use mobile apps and software to enjoy accessing digital content such as music, videos, movies, web series in their free time. This eventually creates an excellent opportunity for Entertainment businesses to reach their target audience and increase their customer base While developing Media software for the Entertainment industry is a recommended move, but to emerge in the cut-throat competition, you must seek creative ways to increase customer experience tenfold. In this blog, we will shed light on the significant features that the entertainment and media software should include. Read more:- https://lnkd.in/dua7kQ-p #softwaretechnologies #softwaredevelopment #mediasoftware #entertainmentsoftware #technologytrends #ifourtechnolab #microsoftservice

Steve Jobs, the greatest visionary in the tech world, had this simple rule for designing the perfect user interface 'The 3-click rule' Steve was deeply involved in the design and development of the original iPod. Those who worked closely with him often heard the same directive in response to any challenge: “Simplify!” During product demos, Jobs meticulously reviewed every screen, applying a strict criterion: If a user wants to access a core feature—like playing a song—it should take no more than three clicks. The success of the iPod revolutionized the industry, and the "three-click rule" quickly became a standard in product development. Airbnb founder Brian Chesky insisted that users should never be more than three clicks away from making a booking. The same principle applies when reading trending content on your favorite subreddit or watching your favorite YouTuber’s latest video. If you're building a consumer product, consider this: How many clicks does it take for a user to reach your unique selling point? #UserInterface #Design #Apple #Airbnb #3clickrule #Ipod #Simplification #Strategy

🚀 Exciting Updates from Apple's WWDC 2024: What It Means for Brands and UGC 🚀 Hey LinkedIn family! 🌟 Jordan Baker here with the latest episode of REFRAME. Yesterday's Apple WWDC 2024 event was packed with groundbreaking announcements that promise to reshape the digital landscape. Here’s a quick rundown of the highlights and their potential impact on brands and user-generated content (UGC). Key Announcements: iOS 18 with "Apple Intelligence" AI: Enhanced Siri functionalities AI-assisted writing and personalized content recommendations Implications: Brands can create highly personalized marketing campaigns, while UGC creators can streamline their content production, focusing more on creativity and storytelling. Customization Options in iOS 18: More flexible home screen and app grid layouts Implications: Brands can design more immersive app experiences that align with user preferences, boosting engagement and satisfaction. Developer Support: Online labs, consultations, and over 100 technical sessions Implications: Faster implementation of new features and innovative apps. Brands should stay tuned to leverage these advancements in their digital strategies. What This Means for You: For Brands: Enhanced tools for personalized marketing and seamless integration with user preferences. For UGC Creators: Advanced AI-powered tools to create high-quality content more efficiently. Let’s discuss how you see these updates impacting your digital strategy! 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Stay innovative, stay ahead. This is Jordan Baker, signing off! #WWDC2024 #AppleEvent #DigitalMarketing #UGC #REFRAME #AI #TechUpdates #Innovation #JordanBaker #LinkedInVideo