Java-Based Video Applet to Deliver Local Broadcast Content to Mobile Phones

Weathernews, the world’s most experienced and trusted provider of mobile weather content with over 1.5 million paying mobile subscribers, today announced its newest offering, the first and only mobile Java application to incorporate MPEG 4 video technology bringing the weathercasts of local broadcast stations to subscribers’ cell phones. Called the Weathernews Network, the new mobile multimedia technology allows subscribers to watch personalized video feeds of local weather news and conditions from their trusted, local broadcasters right from their cell phone (WeatherNews USA is owned by WeatherNews Japan — Ed.). 

Initially compatible with Sprint PCS multimedia phones, the Weathernews Network is being coined the first “Local Mobile Video Network” (or LMVN) and is delivering content from Griffin Communications’ CBS affiliates in Oklahoma now. As the service rolls out nationally, it will offer a variety of programming content from broadcast affiliates in top US markets, streaming both traditional programming as well as weathercasts produced exclusively for mobile users. Priced at a monthly subscription rate of $4.99, the service is available to Sprint customers immediately.

“The evolution of mobile content continues to reflect consumer demand for actionable, localized information available at their fingertips. New video-enabled Java applications provide a novel and creative way for carriers to provide valued-added services to their customer base,” said Van Baker, research vice president of Gartner Inc.

In addition to the new video technology, the Weathernews Network application offers detailed weather information for over 60,000 locations worldwide, color radar, seven-day forecasts, city images with sky conditions, National Weather Service advisories, airport weather and a vacation planner.

“Our current rollout with Sprint and local CBS stations in Oklahoma is a perfect example of how our video on demand application can be personalized to provide subscribers with their local and relevant weather news from a source they know and trust,” explains Daniel Scalisi, vice president of Media Services for Weathernews Americas Inc. “Broadcast affiliates should utilize the power of this innovative technology to bring additional revenue to their businesses and to extend their brand and personalities deeper into the daily lives of their television audiences. With over 579 million Java-enabled mobile phones in use, broadcasters now have an easy, turnkey way to deliver their content to an entirely new demographic. Similarly, deploying our video technology as a Java applet allows carriers to more easily implement this true next-generation functionality and offer their subscribers not just video content but local and personalized video content on demand.”

About Weathernews Americas Inc.
Weathernews Americas Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Weathernews, Inc. Based in Japan, Weathernews, Inc. is the world’s largest, publicly-traded, full-service weather company (TOKYO:4825). A global organization with 37 offices in 14 countries, Weathernews delivers customized, risk communication services to businesses and individuals whose lives or livelihoods are affected by the weather. With over 12,000 business customers and 1.5 million wireless subscribers worldwide, the company consistently evaluates and evolves existing applications for weather information while exploring additional markets and industries which would benefit operationally and financially from specific weather information and delivery methods. Currently, Weathernews delivers weather information, analysis and risk communication services to some of the largest companies in agriculture, aviation, energy, marine, media, offshore oil and retail. For more information, go to www.weathernews.com; for more information about Weathernews’ mobile services, go to www.weathernow.com. Source: Here.