3 Screen Solutions (3SS), a leading provider of software solutions for set-top boxes (STB), smart TV, multiscreen and in-car entertainment, announces that the largest Belgian telecommunications company Proximus has launched several new applications to further increase the reach and variety of devices for its super-aggregated service Pickx.
3SS designed and delivered new Pickx apps for Apple TV, and iOS and Android tablets and smartphones.
The new multiscreen offers extend Proximus’ next-generation IPTV+OTT TV service based on the Pickx STB, based on the Android TV™ Operator Tier and available to all Proximus TV subscribers, comprising over 1.65 million homes.
Powerful and energy-efficient set-top box with integrated Wi-Fi 6 technology
Proximus will gradually start distributing the new V7c (or V7 compact) STB – Quartz from Vantiva. The new receiver provides an even better user experience and provides several notable features including integrated Wi-Fi 6 technology.
The V7c includes more powerful hardware than its predecessors. 3 GB of RAM, the integration of the latest chip technology and the latest version of the Android operating system (Android 12) result in smoother switching between applications and an overall better user experience.
The new decoder is made of recycled plastic and is 40% smaller than previous STBs, which makes transportation more efficient and environmentally friendly. With a power of 12 W, the V7c uses about 25% less electricity. Integrated Wi-Fi 6 means the user can wirelessly connect to their home network without an external booster. The STB will initially be distributed to new subscribers, but older models in the homes of existing users will gradually be replaced free of charge.
It delivers an award-winning user experience enabled by 3Ready technology
Netflix is seamlessly integrated into the STB, as is the new Disney+ pre-app experience that lets you discover content from the home page. STB’s user experience is aligned with the established, multi-award-winning Pickx UX, powered by 3SS’s 3Ready production platform.
3Ready is a business improvement solution that enables service providers to quickly implement and develop highly engaging, content-rich entertainment offerings. Today, 3Ready provides services to more than 28 operators and car manufacturers in 51 markets with a total user reach of over 68 million users.
Super-aggregated Pickx offers more than 100 live TV channels. Netflix, Disney+ and the in-house sports offering Pickx Sports are bundled and deeply integrated. Subscriptions can be fully managed directly through the STB, and viewers can discover trending content on the service before subscribing, making the decision to add it to their package easier.
React Native for efficient cross-platform launch and development
3SS designed and delivered new mobile and Apple TV applications using React Native processes. React Native enables cross-platform development, with a single code base that is used across multiple operating systems and device platforms. Integrating the device with the backend and other system components is much more efficient with React Native. Proximus is now in a position to further expand the experience across multiple platforms.
3Ready-enabled React Native developments benefit from greater cross-platform compatibility with no noticeable performance loss, far greater resource efficiency, and faster time-to-market.
Lean-agile project delivery practices including SAFe (Scaled Agile Framework), originally enabled by 3SS, now infuse Proximus’ TV business. Agile methodologies involve close collaboration with trusted third-party vendors, with a high level of collaboration and communication in development processes. The result is dramatically reduced time between product definition and delivery, less waste, higher product quality and accelerated time to market.
Jim Casteele, Head of Consumer Markets at Proximus
Proximus’ partnership with 3SS now spans many years and we welcome the high level of creative input and innovation that 3SS brings to keep Pickx world-class. Adopting 3Ready as the foundation of the service helps us provide the best quality of experience; furthermore, adopting a cross-platform development approach with React Native allows us to deliver much faster with more frequent releases than before, enabling Proximus to deliver more, faster. The constant expansion of Pickx and the satisfaction and flexibility we provide to our customers is a true testament to what can be achieved with our shared vision and highly collaborative approach with 3SS.
Kai-Christian Borchers, director of 3SS
Proximus’ desire to provide its customers with even more quality and choice is unwavering. We are extremely honored that Proximus continues to trust 3SS with its long-term plan for the award-winning Pickx.