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Smartlabs Announces Upcoming Release of SmartTUBE 9.2

September 11, 2024

Smartlabs, a provider and system integrator of IPTV and OTT solutions, is excited to announce the upcoming release of SmartTUBE 9.2. Currently undergoing beta testing, this new version will introduce a range of features designed to provide subscribers with an even better user experience and operators with enhanced service management capabilities.

Purchasing Content and Services in Mobile Apps

This feature enables subscribers to purchase content or subscribe to services right from the SmartTUBE Apps for iOS and Android mobile devices. Operator only needs to map the content to the Google Play and Apple AppStore billing systems. Such enhancement brings added convenience for users who previously could only do this in the STB app.

Kids Profile Support

Kids profile gives parents control over their children's viewing experience. In addition to the maximum age level for TV channels and VOD content, the Kids profile allows to manage the downtime interval and the daily viewing limit.

Skip Intro and Jump to the Next Episode for Movies and Series

The full-screen player on devices across all platforms has got new "Skip Intro" and "Next Episode" buttons. By using ‘Skip Intro’ at the start of the movie, users can jump directly into the action, skipping the movie's opening credits. At the end of an episode, the "Next Episode" button appears, allowing users to bypass the closing credits and start the next episode immediately. The feature includes a timer for auto-starting the next episode, which displays progress on the button. Operators can manage parameters for the buttons visibility and auto-start duration, that are defined for individual episodes or set as defaults for the entire series.

Simplified Login on Smart TVs with QR or Verification Code

This feature streamlines the authentication process for SmartTUBE Apps on Smart TVs, removing the need to manually input login credentials. Users will see traditional login fields along with a QR code and a digital verification code on the login screen. To add a new device to the account, subscribers have two options: scan the QR code on the TV with their mobile device and confirm it in the SmartTUBE mobile app, or manually enter the verification code in the SmartTUBE mobile app.

Offline Mode for Android Mobile Devices

Previously launched for iPhones and iPads, the offline mode feature is now available for Android mobile devices. This allows users to download movies and series for offline viewing within the SmartTUBE App, ensuring uninterrupted entertainment for subscribers on the go. Operators can manage which content is available for offline access and define the availability window based on content rights.

Preview Autoplay on Movie Rails

The SmartTUBE Admin Console now features a dedicated tab within channel properties, consolidating all available Ad Skip Restriction settings. Previously, these settings were present in multiple configuration files. This centralized approach simplifies and streamlines the configuration process for operators.

Google Chromecast Support

SmartTUBE Android and iOS Mobile Apps now support screen sharing to Chromecast devices and TVs with built-in Chromecast. This feature, along with existing support for Apple AirPlay and SmartLabs Screen Sharing technologies, enhances user capabilities to seamlessly transfer content watching between devices.

Movie Сatalog by Сast and Director

Users can now access a catalog of movies featuring a specific actor or director by selecting them on the details page of any movie. Operators can manage the list of personalities for each movie through existing VoD content import and editing mechanisms. This feature makes subscriber interaction with the service more enjoyable by allowing them to easily discover movies featuring their favorite personalities.

Static Ad Banner when Content is Paused

SmartTUBE 9.2 expands operators’ marketing abilities. Now, when a user pauses any content in the full-screen player, a static banner can be displayed. When playback resumes, the banner disappears. The operator can manage the list of banners to display through the SmartTUBE Admin Console.

Consolidated Ad Skip Restriction Settings

The SmartTUBE Admin Console now features a dedicated tab within channel properties, consolidating all available Ad Skip Restriction settings. Previously, these settings were scattered across multiple configuration files. This centralized approach simplifies and streamlines the configuration process for operators.

Nice Minor Improvements

The new version of SmartTUBE also includes a number of small but useful UI/UX improvements for users:

  • SmartTUBE Apps for large-screen devices now feature a mini-player on the EPG screen. It displays the current TV show above the program guide next to the program description. The operator can control the geometry of the mini-player and its visibility in the app’s UI.
  • Dialing a channel number on the EPG page with remote control now selects it on the program guide timeline. This is a more intuitive action for users than immediately starting channel playback.
  • The detail page of Shared Recordings from the Catch-up Library now contains information about the recording availability period for users. Available for large-screen devices for SmartTUBE 9.2.
  • The option to mute auto-play content on banners, ‘Сhannels’ rail and movie rails has been included in SmartTUBE Apps for large-screen devices. Operators can control the default value of this option, as well as its visibility to users in the app’s interface.
Bug-fixing and Improvements

The latest version of SmartTUBE SDP and Apps delivers a range of enhancements, focusing on both bug fixes and performance stability. Moreover, several features not covered in this press release have been improved to enhance the user experience. The beta testing phase ensures smooth and uninterrupted operation of the new and updated functionalities across both ourthe apps and server-side systems.

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