Gemstar Launches M.TVGuide.com

By TWICE Staff -- TWICE, 4/1/2008

Los Angeles — Gemstar-TV Guide International launched a new mobile Web site, M.TVGuide.com, which is said to bring the TVGuide.com experience to mobile Web-enabled cellular phones.

The site has been optimized to provide TV news, information and guidance services across platforms

“The next logical move was to package the TV Guide experience for mobile phones in a manner that supports similar levels of engagement, interaction, visual interest and the quality experience that TV fans have come to expect from us,” stated Bob Shallow, TV Guide’s Mobile Entertainment Group VP and general manager. “M.TVGuide.com is essentially TVGuide.com to go. Users get the same deep dives into their favorite shows, the easy navigation, and the community aspects through access to TV Guide editor blogs and mobile chat rooms, but now, they can get it all on their mobile phone.”

The TV Guide mobile Web offering provides a 14-day look ahead at localized TV listings complete with episode descriptors. Series and show reminders can be sent via text messages to users’ cell phones, the company said.

Users can browse Breaking Entertainment News, What’s On TV with recommendations for Tonight’s TV, recaps of Last Night’s TV and other insider information. Customized settings such as My Favorite Shows and My Favorite Channels are based on pre-determined preferences. This level of personalization means users can sort through the TV universe more quickly.

The mobile offering builds on TV Guide’s unique standing as the provider of anytime, anywhere TV guidance solutions, enhanced meta-data and rich editorial content.

“Nearly 25 percent of our existing user base falls within the 25-34 year old range,” said Shallow. “Our new service plays to the preferences and demands of this extremely connected market, helping them stay close to their favorite TV shows.”

M.TVGuide.com is ad-supported and available to all consumers with Web-enabled cell phones; standard data charges apply.