SmartMEDIA CDN. Purpose & Benefits
April 24, 2024
Migration to Android: take the plunge or play it safe?
May 8, 2023
In the dynamic and competitive IPTV/OTT and streaming market, staying ahead of the game requires more than just a solid business strategy – it requires technological excellence. The companies that are able to innovate and adapt to new trends are the ones that come out on top.
This applies to every facet, including the choice of operating system. Market leaders know that they must always be on the lookout for alternative solutions that can give them an edge. There are three main operating systems: AOSP, Android TV and Linux - each of these come with their own benefits and considerations.
The Android TV Operator Tier has recently emerged as a solution that holds immense promise. However, there is a question: do the potential benefits of migration to a new operating system outweigh the potential drawbacks? Let’s weigh the options.
Efficiency advantage
When considering migration, businesses must weigh the potential challenges that may arise. Given the need for infrastructure upgrades and the significant investment required, it’s not difficult to understand why some operators may hesitate to take the leap. Nevertheless, in the long run, migrating offers a unique opportunity for operators to gain a competitive edge in the market.
The Android TV boasts an advantage with its integration into Google's vast ecosystem. This feature opens up an array of tools and services for streaming platforms, including the Google Play Store, which is teeming with a pool of apps that can be effortlessly incorporated into the viewing experience.
With Google backing the Android platform, it is no surprise that extensive support and documentation are provided for seamless development and maintenance. From troubleshooting guides to regular software updates, streaming platforms can effortlessly access the resources that ensure issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. In turn, this can help operators maintain a high level of service, prevent expensive downtime, and retain user trust and loyalty.
The Android platform offers customization options, with consistent design principles that are familiar to many users, such as the built-in bottom bar and the navigation drawer. The ability to seamlessly interact with a recognizable interface is a factor in a user’s selection process, and thus confers a competitive advantage to the operator.
At Smartlabs, we pride ourselves on our wealth of expertise in different operating systems including Android TV Operator Tier, and ability to provide tailored solutions that cater to the unique needs of our clients. Our portfolio includes a range of successful cases, including a customized solution we developed for Czech operator O2.
Reducing Churn & Increasing ARPU
O2 Czech Republic, the largest fixed, mobile, and broadband service provider in the Czech Republic, collaborated with Smartlabs to launch a customized interactive TV service in 2018. The two teams worked in close partnership to specify, develop, and deliver unique projects.
O2 pursued its development strategy by creating an aggregated Android TV Operator Tier platform, becoming the first company in the world to strike an agreement with Google enabling the migration of existing Linux STBs deployed with O2 customers to the Android TV Operator Tier platform.
Smartlabs has driven the certification process in cooperation with the third-party certification laboratory and developed migration software for remote migration, excluding engineering staff visits and service interruption. On top of that, Smartlabs provided a brand-new Android TV launcher for all the Smartlabs STBs, as well as for third party devices also used by O2 subscribers.
By implementing a unique migration project, O2 was able to improve its services, reduce subscriber churn and increase ARPU by introducing advanced interactive features for viewers.
Seize the opportunity
Risk always goes hand in hand with success. In a competitive market, the willingness to take potential consequences is a serious advantage.
Smartlabs can help mitigate the possible risks of transformation by providing a simple, hassle-free migration. Read our comprehensive Guide to learn what to consider before making a final decision.
