[#2] OTT from the Beach

Welcome to the 2nd edition of "OTT from the Beach" – where we bring you the latest waves in the OTT industry, all with a touch of sunshine from our Gran Canaria base!?

Whether you're an OTT enthusiast, a media, sports, or entertainment executive, a tech sales pro in streaming, or simply supporting 2Coders, this newsletter is tailored for you.?

As a subscriber, you deserve the best, and we're excited to share the most relevant OTT insights, company highlights, and exclusive content with you every month. Let's dive in!

Key highlights:

• Our AllScreen Front-End Streaming Solution
• Navigating the World of Sports Streaming: A Peek Behind the Scenes
• Fresh Addition: The MUX Video Plugin for WordPress
• Podcasts, opinions, and more from the OTT world

This month's highlight: Our AllScreen Front-End Streaming Solution

As we step into March, a significant moment awaits – the introduction of our front-end streaming solution. This month signifies not just a product launch, but a strategic move to redefine the streaming experience. Our team's commitment to expertise ensures a refined journey for you.

Keep a lookout for exclusive updates in the next few days – follow us closely because the launch is on the horizon, and the excitement is building up!

Growing Together: Our Ongoing Ecosystem Partnerships

At our company, we believe in providing you with the most personalized solutions that cater to your unique needs. Our ongoing partnerships with industry leaders are aimed at enhancing your digital journey and we have some exciting collaborations in the pipeline for the period that follows.

Meanwhile, explore our recent integrations, and be sure not to overlook the insightful article highlighting our collaboration with NPAW which focuses on advanced video analytics for a better streaming experience.

Fresh Addition: The MUX Video Plugin for WordPress

In another stride towards empowering smaller businesses, we collaborated with Mux and our team developed a video plugin for WordPress. This plugin, featured in our promo video is designed to provide small businesses with an easy-to-use solution to integrate high-quality video content into their websites. Our goal is to help businesses of all kinds elevate their online presence by engaging more effectively with their audience through the use of engaging video content.

The plugin offers a range of features, and you can experience them all for free by downloading the available version here .

Apple Vision Pro's Impact on OTT Entertainment

The tech world has been buzzing this month about the recent unveiling of Apple's Vision Pro glasses, which have set a new standard for entertainment experiences. The device promises a unique blend of technology, featuring ultra-high-resolution micro-OLED displays, advanced Spatial Audio, and a powerful R1 chip. This caters to users' growing appetite for personalized and interactive content. [read more about the importance of personalized content in our article ]

With partnerships with major players like Disney+, Apple is not just launching a product. Instead, it's positioning itself at the forefront of the evolving OTT industry.

For experts in streaming services and OTT platforms, the announcement of Apple Vision Pro signifies a strategic move towards a more engaging content landscape.

The incorporation of visionOS allows the integration of digital content into users' physical space, and the Cinema Environment feature within the Apple TV app demonstrates a commitment to user-centric experiences. Staying attuned to such innovations is crucial for industry professionals. It inspires us to continually explore strategic partnerships that align with these emerging trends, ensuring that our offerings remain at the forefront of the evolving OTT landscape.

Super Bowl 58: Streaming, Advertising, and Beyond

In the dynamic landscape of February, where conversations were dominated by the groundbreaking Apple Vision Pro, the streaming world witnessed another monumental event with Super Bowl 58. This year's Super Bowl set a new record as the most-watched television show in history, drawing an estimated 123.4 million viewers. The game's streaming success on Paramount+ highlights the growing influence of digital platforms, as viewers opt for online experiences. The surge in viewership, up 7% from the previous year, underscores the enduring appeal of live sports in an era where TV viewership is evolving towards streaming platforms.

The Super Bowl's significance goes beyond the game itself, with its advertising landscape holding a pivotal role. Advertisers recognize the unparalleled opportunity to reach millions of consumers, evident in the average cost of a 30-second ad spot reaching $7 million for the second consecutive year. As linear ad revenue faces challenges, the Super Bowl remains a stronghold for companies seeking maximum exposure. This aligns with broader industry trends, as major players like Disney's ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery gear up to launch joint streaming platforms, recognizing the value of sports content in the streaming era. The convergence of live sports, streaming, and advertising underscores the evolving nature of the OTT landscape, where engaging content and strategic advertising placements are becoming increasingly intertwined.

We have created a short guide that explores the benefits of OTT advertising and how it can help you connect with your target audience.

Playa de Las Canteras

This is the main beach of Las Palmas, the capital city of Gran Canaria. It is a long and lively beach, with a natural reef that protects it from the waves and creates a calm swimming area. Also, it's the perfect place to bring your laptop for work in one of the many restaurants and bars on the beach.

Our Take: AI Takes Center Stage at Super Bowl 58

In our opinion, the true star of Super Bowl 58 wasn't just the thrilling game – it was the spotlight on Artificial Intelligence (AI). From Microsoft's Copilot to Google's Pixel 8, AI stole the show, demonstrating its real-world impact. The Super Bowl commercials showcased AI's versatility, from assisting in daily tasks to making technology more accessible.

As experts in the streaming industry, we see this AI prominence as a precursor to the future of content delivery. The substantial investment in AI-focused Super Bowl ads highlights its growing significance in the tech landscape, setting the stage for a future where AI is a game-changer both on and off the field.

From AI Brilliance to Broadband Gaps:

Building on the AI-driven excitement of Super Bowl 58, a concerning trend emerges in the UK. EY's forecast anticipates over 5.5 million homes without high-speed broadband by 2040, potentially leaving vulnerable groups behind in accessing vital TV content. As the streaming industry progresses, bridging this digital gap becomes paramount. The shift to digital-first models, as seen with Channel 4, must align with government policies that ensure universal access.?

This challenge highlights a dual responsibility for the streaming industry: advancing technology and advocating for inclusivity in the evolving landscape.?

As we navigate this intricate balance, our commitment remains steadfast in fostering a streaming future that is both innovative and accessible, ensuring no viewer is left behind in the digital transition.

The first live sports event to be streamed online was a baseball game between the Seattle Mariners and the New York Yankees in 1995, using RealPlayer, paving the way for the live sports streaming we enjoy today.

Additional literature for this month ;)

• Podcast: SPORTSPRO PODCAST
• Column: ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros Discovery joint streaming service
• LinkedIn: Why Apple Released a Free Sports App and What it Means for Us

Thank you for being part of our second edition. Your support really makes a difference. If you enjoyed it, feel free to spread the word and nudge others to subscribe.

Catch up on the latest OTT news and 2Coders Media updates by subscribing to our newsletter. More insights and surprises are on the way from the beautiful Canary Islands.

Until next month's edition in March, where you'll have all the details from the big launch date, we appreciate your continued enthusiasm.