Thursday 29 August 2019

5G News: Video Streaming Set to Be the Killer App in the US

Image credit: techrepublic.com

5G will help video usage to grow. It will account for 70% of mobile network traffic in 2022, up from 47% in 2015” [1]


At the present time, the global television and video market, which is served by IPTV, satellite, cable, and terrestrial broadcast service companies, is estimated to be worth in excess of $500 billion. But changes are afoot for the industry, and over the coming years, 5G network tech is likely to take a large bite into this established market. Moreover, 5G is set to profoundly transform the way that live broadcasts function [2].

According to recent research: “the 5G era is set to drive the next wave of growth in video streaming, with as many as 78% of US consumers indicating that they will expand this activity as they adopt the next-generation wireless standard in smartphones and home-networking solutions” [1].

So What is 5G TV Exactly?

5G TV refers to watching standard television broadcasts via a 5G mobile network connection, as opposed to traditional satellite, cable, and types of fixed broadband. The increase in efficiency, portability and performance, has the potential to drastically transform the entire television broadcasting industry [2].

And How Well is 5G Suited to TV Broadcasting?

5G should be able to support a minimum download speed of 1Gbps, and could well shoot up to 10Gbps. Amalgamated with other networking technology and enhancements, 5G would dramatically transform TV broadcasts on different types of screens [2].


Image credit: 5g.co.uk

When coupled with the growing demand and supply of 4K UHD content, the proliferation of 5G will help drive mobile consumption of UHD content” [1]

IHS Markit believes that 5G will be a key tool in the promotion of live video. This is especially so for live events and sports, where lower latency and higher speed and bandwidth are absolutely vital [1].


Consumers' Huge Motivation For Streaming Video

The study participants stated that: streaming live and pre-recorded video, was their most important reason for upgrading their home internet service. Moreover, close to 66% of subjects cited streaming video streaming as their prime motivation for upgrading to 5G at home [1].


Joshua Builta, senior principal analyst at IHS Markit, noted: “The promise of faster video streaming through 5G is generating enormous enthusiasm among consumers. Interest is particularly high for those younger than 50, with 81% of survey respondents in that age range citing video streaming as the top activity for 5G. Consumers are expressing strong interest in video streaming both on smartphones and for home internet services, which are equally supported by 5G” [1].

On the Go 

5G also offers consumers revolutionary mobility, which is great news for OONA mobile entertainment users. - Wi-Fi will no longer be needed, as TV content is simply beamed to mobile phones, tablets, and other mobile devices with a 5G network connection. Further, this will empower more consumers to enjoy 360 video content, and VR (Virtual Reality), which will necessitate the need for 5G’s mobility, low latency, and speed [2].


                                 Image credit: Engadget

5G  Revving Up Sports TV 

When it comes to sports broadcasting, 5G's unparalleled advantages, could be of great value. In fact, Ovum, the well known research firm, has announced some very exciting news, namely, that: “63% of network operators worldwide are planning to offer 5G-based augmented reality (AR) and/or virtual reality (VR) applications to people attending sports events at stadiums or watching events at home some time in 2020” [1]. Now that really is something to look forward to!


                                    Image credit: Indestry.com

Interactive Experiences Like Never Before

As the CEO and Founder of OONA Global TV, leading digital strategist, AI specialist, and government advisor, Christophe Hochart, remarked: "The fun of AR and VR will be a reality for everyone in the not too distant future. And streaming 360-degree video viewing, and taking part in interactive experiences, will all be part of OONA's Unlimited World of Entertainment.


                                    Image credit: 91Mobiles

So How Will 5G Affect Consumers?

When asked to name which types of activities they are likely to use more of due to the arrival of 5G, respondents gave video streaming the first thumbs up, ahead of video calling, social media, mobile gaming, virtual reality and augmented reality [1]. Clearly, this is great news for cutting-edge OTT streaming companies such as OONA TV, which is due to launch in the US at the end of September, 2019.


                                Image credit: Reiwaing

The results of the survey also indicated that participants believed that: at the present time, 4G wireless services are performing sufficiently well to support most forms of streaming video content. To that end, IHS Markit reasoned that the biggest transformation brought about by 5G, will be seen in the market's emerging sectors. 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) video, is an excellent example of the latter, as 5G will increase its speed and capacity. (Note: 4K or 4K resolution, refers to a horizontal display resolution of around 4,000 pixels) [1].



More About OONA

OONA offers consumers an unrivalled 3-in-1 FREE Unlimited Entertainment Bundle: Live VOD/TV, Video Games & Music Channels; the chance to earn daily virtual currency tcoin rewards for interacting, gaming, streaming music & watching what they love; & fun tools & stickers for sharing & editing their favourite shows, music and games.

OONA's free ad-supported, next generation virtual entertainment platform is a first of its kind. - It consolidates the most popular apps with live TV, SVOD, TVOD, music, games and YouTube channels in a singular platform operating on iOS and Android smartphones, Android TV and Smart TV applications. Using cutting-edge user engagement technology, OONA generates customized ads for viewers and rewards them with a virtual currency called tcoins® as part of a loyalty reward system which can be redeemed for popular branded goods and services.

To enhance the user experience, OONA offers multiple features including a genie-in-the-app known as OONAbot, to personalize the user journey as well as unique tools and stickers to use while interacting with friends & family, and sharing on social media platforms. As the vMVPD of the future, OONA is set to revolutionize the way we consume content with much more control, flexibility and monetary benefits for consumers and businesses. Currently, OONA has over 250 subscription-free channels including movies, TV programs, live sports, documentaries, and local and global breaking news, which is available in Indonesia and set to roll out in 2019 Q3 across Vietnam, the Philippines, US, and the Middle East.


References

[1]. O' Halloran, Joseph (2019). “Video streaming emerging as the killer app for 5G in US.” RapidTV News

[2]. Mundy, Jon (2019). “5G TV - Everything you need to know.” 5G. https://5g.co.uk/guides/5g-tv/  Accessed 27 Aug. 2019.













Wednesday 28 August 2019

XL Home Consumers Offered FREE Movies, Sports, TV Shows, Music & Video Games From OONA


XL Home consumers can now enjoy a unique interactive entertainment experience with a super-fast, stable fiber optic home internet connection, which: empowers them with access to OONA's 3-in-1 FREE Unlimited Entertainment Bundle: Live VOD/TV; Video Games & Music Channels; & the chance to earn daily virtual currency tcoins rewards just for interacting & watching what they love; & fun tools & stickers for sharing & editing their favourite shows, music and games.



Continuing its unrelenting drive to be the best global TV entertainment platform, OONA has just announced its partnership with renowned telecommunications operator, PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata). And as OONA promises a world of exciting non-stop entertainment, this means that now, XL Home customers will be able to enjoy a wealth of fantastic music channels, cool video games; and films and TV shows from the many genres on offer, at home. These include: sports, Korean, new and classic movies, lifestyle, fashion, celebrity news, kid’s programs, local and international music, sports, cartoons, anime, documentaries, educational broadcasts, religious channels, and more. These can all be accessed via a pre-installed app on all XL Home Entertainment Box.



Next Generation Unlimited Entertainment

This beneficial new association with XL Axiata is a continuation of OONA’s mission to be the number one next generation streaming service which puts the customer first, and offers Unlimited Entertainment. This latest offer represents a deepening of the relationship between the companies, as XL Home customers can now enjoy unlimited access to OONA's world class service, which is seamlessly bundled with their existing subscriptions.

Dominique Ullman, OONA's Regional Content and Media Director, remarked: “We are thrilled to take our landmark collaboration with XL Axiata, one of the region’s telecommunications giants, one step further. OONA, is set to bring exciting free live and on-demand entertainment to everyone, and customers can enjoy an even more rewarding experience with virtual currency tcoins rewards. This really is entertainment at its best, and explains why more and more Indonesians are joining the OONA entertainment revolution!"

XL Home Customers Will Receive an XL Home Entertainment Box

When subscribing to XL Home, customers will now receive a state-of-the-art XL Home Entertainment Box device with the latest Android technology, certified by Google. The device allows users to have access to OONA, so they can enjoy leading local, regional and international television channels, awesome music channels, and the latest video games.


"XL Axiata is committed to offer the convenience of home digital entertainment services for its customers through XL Home services, by presenting quality content. We are delighted to be taking another bold step forward with OONA as our partner. There are many benefits that we can offer to Indonesian people through this collaboration between XL Home service and OONA, and with fast and stable internet access, customers will increase their productivity such as downloading, uploading and streaming video without obstacles," said XL Axiata Director of Corporate Strategy & Business Development, Abhijit Navalekar.

More XL Home Customer Benefits with OONA

OONA's world's first futuristic live and VOD platform rewards viewers with a virtual currency (tcoins). These can be earned just for watching the content they love; sharing and interacting with friends and family on Instagram, Facebook, and other social media; and chatting with OONAbot, the cool PA who arranges personalised content. The tcoins can be redeemed for a broad range of quality branded goods and services; discounts, meals, fun days out, holistic health treatments, free top up vouchers; telecom products, and entry to the daily Bid'n Win competition for a chance to win the latest smartphones, and other premium prizes.


About OONA Global

OONA Global TV is a free ad-supported, next generation virtual entertainment platform. A first of its kind, OONA consolidates the most popular apps with live TV, SVOD, TVOD, music, video games and YouTube channels in a single platform operating on all major devices. Using cutting-edge technology, OONA generates personalized ads for viewers and rewards them with a virtual currency called tcoins® as part of a loyalty reward system. As the vMVPD of the future, OONA provides much more control, flexibility and monetary benefits for consumers and businesses. Currently, OONA has over 250 subscription-free channels including movies, TV programs, live sports, documentaries, and local and global breaking news which is available in Indonesia and set to roll out in Q3 across Vietnam, the Philippines, US, and the Middle East.

About XL Axiata

PT XL Axiata Tbk (XL Axiata) is one of the leading telecommunication companies in Indonesia. XL Axiata focuses on providing digital services to provide convenience for community life activities and encourage the development of Indonesia's digital economy. Starting commercially since October 8, 1996, XL Axiata currently provides a variety of services for retail and corporate customers supported by an extensive and quality network throughout Indonesia. Since December 2014, XL Axiata has implemented a 4G LTE network, which was followed by the development of a national-scale 4G LTE commercial in July 2015. XL Axiata is part of the Axiata Group together with Celcom (Malaysia), Dialog (Sri Lanka), Robi (Bangladesh), Smart (Cambodia), Ncell (Nepal), Idea (India), and M1 (Singapore).




Monday 26 August 2019

Is Netflix US Going to Ultimately Crash & Burn?

                                                               Image credit: Netflix

Netflix US is projected to lose market share to competitors over the next several years” [1]

In the words of Bob Dylan: the times they are a-changin,' and Netflix is on the top of the menu, as hard-hitting, innovative new streaming competitors such as OONA TV, Amazon Prime and Hulu, show their colours on the playing field.

The Latest Findings

A recent eMarketer study focusing on American OTT consumers, shows that this year: 55.3% of the population (182.5 million people), will watch content by using OTT subscription services [1]. And the competition is really heating up, as platforms such as OONA US OTT TV, which is set to launch next month, is offering “Free Unlimited Entertainment 4 Life,” with its SVOD Trilogy: Live/VOD TV, Music, & Gaming, all of which can be used on-the-go via a mobile device, or on a home TV via casting/ OONA's android box.  

According to Eric Haggstrom, eMarketer's forecasting analyst: “New entrants Apple and Disney+ are ultimately starting from zero subscribers, and it will take a while to take subscribers from Netflix" [1], but in the meantime, all kinds of partnerships can be formed... Haggstrom also draws attention to the fact that: "Netflix has faced years of strong competition for viewers, coming from streaming video platforms, pay TV services and even video games [and] while there is no true ‘Netflix killer’ on the market, Disney’s upcoming bundle with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ probably comes closest” [1]. Clearly, Netflix's answer has been to stand by its guns, and consistently outspent the competition with original/licensed content, and boast a subscription price within many people's budget [1]. But, as history shows us, in a changing environment, successful strategies do not last forever. Watch CNBC's video: "Apple, Disney and other media giants are ready for battle against Netflix."




As Netflix Gets Hit, Others Enjoy the Video Wave

Netflix remains the top streamer with nearly 159 million subscribers” [1] But...

Remarking on eMarketer's forecast, Forbes notes that: Hulu is gaining (it will surpass 40% of paid subscribers), as Netflix's lion's share slowly melts away. Further, eMarketer estimates that in the US this year: “Hulu will reach 75.8 million viewers, accounting for 41.5% of subscription OTT video service users. The number of individual viewers will grow by 17.5%... [1].

In the case of Amazon Prime Video: this year in the US, it will: “remain the second-largest subscription OTT provider by viewers (52.9% penetration). In total, Amazon will have 96.5 million viewers, which is 8.8% higher than in 2018. By 2021, the number of Amazon Prime Video viewers will reach one-third of the U.S. Population” [1].


                                                  Image credit: Tech How, YouTube

Netflix is Still Staying Afloat - For Now...

So it is not all gloom and doom. - Right now, in the US, Netflix still ranks as the country's favorite OTT subscription service. This year it boasts 158.8 million viewers, and it is estimated that by 2023, this number will climb to 177.5 million. Moreover, although Netflix Q2 subscriber growth predictions have failed, eMarketer anticipates robust growth for the rest of this year (with an increase of 7.6% from 2018) [1], but only time will tell...  



Anyone in Vegas Knows that Gambling Doesn't Always Pay Off


                                     Image credit: The Guardian Allstar/Cinetext

Netflix Plans to Raise $2 Billion More Through Bonds, Bringing Debt Load to Over $12 Billion” [2]

Netflix is placing a huge gamble by making mega investments in original movies. For example, The Irishman featuring Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, has set it back between $173 and $200 million [1]. And when it comes to creditors, when high rolling borrowers such as Netflix, are heavily in the red, they can be as tough as the Cosa Nostra.

Growing Pains

Although in the US, Netflix is predicted to increase its percentage of subscribers, its superiority is nonetheless, likely to keep falling. For example: “In 2014, it captured 90% of the market. This year, its share will be 87%, as smaller rivals [such as OONA OTT TV, are likely to] lead to the decline of its dominance” [1]. Although, as Haggstrom remarks: “It’s [actually] more about it becoming more difficult for Netflix to grow its U.S. subscribers and the competition will put pricing pressure on Netflix. They won’t be able to raise prices as they have, which is usually every six quarters” [1].


A Stateside Saturation Point

Haggstrom also highlights the point that it is more about the platform reaching a saturation point in the US, as opposed to hemorrhaging subscribers, as it has in Q2, this year. He remarks: “The company is still gaining and growing subscribers, but the rate of growth is slower than in years past. Though last quarter was weak, the streamer is expected to have more growth during the back half of 2019. However, this growth will be at a decelerating rate from past years. So, it’s slowing down but it’s not going to turn negative for the full year” [1].


Will Netflix Have to get on the Ad Wagon? 

How is Netflix going to create a growth story that will keep Wall Street happy without advertising? The answer is they cannot” [1]


Chief Attribution Officer at C3 Metrics, Jeff Greenfield, makes the succinct point that: “Netflix has not lost market share yet, but it’s coming. There’s nothing yet for consumers to sign up for except incredible promises and low prices. Once Disney+ and the multitude of others [such as OONA US] roll out their content, and there’s one or two hit shows that your neighbor or cousin tells you to watch, that’s when Netflix will lose market share” [1]. This scenario seems very probable, but once again, only time will tell... And as Greenfield adds: “even if they don’t, they need advertising” [1]. So will the Netflix creditors give them advice they can't refuse?



More About OONA 

OONA offers an unrivalled 3-in-1 FREE Unlimited Entertainment Bundle: Live VOD/TV, Video Games & Music Channels; the chance to earn daily virtual currency tcoin rewards for interacting & watching what they love; & fun tools & stickers for sharing & editing their favourite shows, music and games.  

OONA's free ad-supported, next generation virtual entertainment platform is a first of its kind. - It consolidates the most popular apps with live TV, SVOD, TVOD, music, games and YouTube channels in a singular platform operating on iOS and Android smartphones, Android TV and Smart TV applications. Using cutting-edge user engagement technology, OONA generates customized ads for viewers and rewards them with a virtual currency called tcoins® as part of a loyalty reward system which can be redeemed for popular branded goods and services.

To enhance the user experience, OONA offers multiple features including a genie-in-the-app known as OONAbot, to personalize the user journey as well as unique tools and stickers to use while interacting with friends & family, and sharing on social media platforms. As the vMVPD of the future, OONA is set to revolutionize the way we consume content with much more control, flexibility and monetary benefits for consumers and businesses. Currently, OONA has over 250 subscription-free channels including movies, TV programs, live sports, documentaries, and local and global breaking news, which is available in Indonesia and set to roll out in 2019 Q3 across Vietnam, the Philippines, US, and the Middle East.


References

[1]. Feldman, Dana (2019). "Netflix’s Dominance In U.S. Wanes As Hulu, Amazon Gain Subscribers."
https://www.forbes.com/sites/danafeldman/2019/08/21/netflix-is-expected-to-lose-us-share-as-rivals-gain/#33e0136966d6   Accessed 22 Aug. 2019.

[2]. Spangler, Todd (2019). “Netflix Plans to Raise $2 Billion More Through Bonds, Bringing Debt Load to Over $12 Billion.” Variety.

Monday 19 August 2019

OONA Media: The Positive Health Advantages of Digital Games


"Video gamers collectively spend 3 billion hours per week in front of their screens" [1]

Video gaming is skyrocketing, "Mobile gaming is now bigger than both personal computer and console gaming" [2], and best of all, this mega fun, exciting from of entertainment can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere, on a smartphone via a cutting-edge app such as OONA, which offers a Trilogy of Free Entertainment options: Live/VOD TV, Music, & Gaming, all of which can be used on a home TV via casting/ OONA's android box.


                                            Image credit: ESA.com


"2018 was a record-breaking year for the industry, with total video game sales exceeding $43.4 billion" [3] 


Image credit of US Stats: ESA.com

Last year: "Over 166 million adults in the United States played video games and three-quarters of all Americans had at least one gamer in their household. As the leading form of entertainment today, video games are an integral part of American culture" [3]. 

 Image credit: ESA.com

But apart from the fun factor, what other benefits are the countless millions of children, adolescents and adults of all ages, actually getting out of it? Well, scientists have asked the same questions, and in various parts of the world, research has been conducted to ascertain whether or not this gaming trend has a positive or negative effect on our brains and behaviour.


                                      Image credit: National Institutes For Health

Examining the Evidence

According to research conducted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), in the US: "Video game players represent a diverse cross-section of the American population spanning every age, gender, and ethnicity. They live healthy lives, are civically engaged, and are socially active. More than three-quarters report that video games provide them with mental stimulation (79%) as well as relaxation and stress relief (78%). The role of video games in the American family is also changing: nearly three-quarters (74%) of parents believe video games can be educational for their children, and more than half (57%) enjoy playing games with their child at least weekly [3].


                                          Image credit: Historical Thinking


A growing body of evidence shows that video gaming can cause changes in many regions of the brain [1]


Image credit: Improb.com
Video Games & Positive Brain Changes 

Whether it applies to Millennial Gamers (age 18 to 34); Gen X Gamers (age 35 to 54); Boomer Gamers (age 55 to 64); or younger or older gamers, there appear to be benefits. Gaming addicts have structural and functional transformations within their brain's neural reward system. In fact, in 2017, some 116 scientific studies were analysed in order to ascertain how video games influence our brain functioning and behaviour, The results were published in the renowned medical journal, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience [1]. 


                                            Image credit: Mercola.com

A 100 studies focused on functionality and alteration in the brain's behaviour; whereas 22 of them examined structural changes within the brain. The results indicated that: "playing video games not only changes how our brains perform but also their structure. For example, video game use is known to affect attention... [Moreover] video game players display improvements in several types of attention, including sustained attention and selective attention. Furthermore, the regions of the brain that play a role in attention are more efficient in gamers compared with non-gamers, and they require less activation to stay focused on demanding tasks" [1].

In addition to this, the research also indicates that video gamers actually increase: "the size and competence of parts of the brain responsible for identifying visual and spatial relationships among objects. In long-term gamers and individuals who had volunteered to follow a video game training plan, the right hippocampus was enlarged" [1].

And although the study author naturally referred to the downside of this pastime, namely, internet gaming addiction [1]; as long as users enjoy gaming in balanced measures, with plenty of breaks in between, for example, just playing for a set period of time, or just when commuting, etc., then everything should be hunky dory.


                                   Christophe Hochart: on screen and 2nd from the left

OONA's Founder and CEO, government advisor, digital strategist and AI expert, Christophe Hochart, who is also a university lecturer, and popular key speaker at industry conferences around the world, stated that: "As OONA's Free Entertainment Trilogy gives consumers the Best of Three Worlds: Live and VOD TV; Music Channels, & Video Gaming; we are working to ensure that they follow optimum digital health practices. When it comes to gaming, these include: restricting playing time, and having regular breaks; avoiding violent games (something that OONA does not broadcast); and using a low blue light on their devices".

Video Gaming Shown to Boost Memory




"Brain training can stimulate meaningful and lasting changes" [1]

Research which was conducted in 2013, by Scientists at the University of California-San Francisco, and published in the scientific journal, Nature, showed that by using: "a specially designed 3-D video game, cognitive performance could be improved in older adults, and some of the adverse effects on the brain associated with aging, reversed" [1].

The study was carried out over a four week period, with subjects aged between 60 and 85 years. Incredibly, their: "improved performance on the game surpassed that of individuals in their 20s playing the game for the first time. Moreover, two other significant cognitive areas were improved: working memory and sustained attention. These skills were maintained 6 months after completion of their training" [1]. 

Moreover, research undertaken by UCI's neurobiologists, determined that: "playing 3-D video games could also boost the formation of memories" [1]. Students joined either a 2-D or 3-D video gaming environment. And after a 2 week gaming period of watching video games for half an hour each day, the test subjects underwent memory tests involving the hippocampus [1].

Compared to the 2D group, the subjects in the 3-D group showed substantially higher scores on their memory test: "The 3-D group's memory performance increased by 12% - the same amount that memory performance usually declines by between 45 and 70 years of age" [1]. This is because 3-D games are more complex to learn, and comprise a great deal more spatial information which viewers need to take in.


                                       Image credit: University of Connecticut

The Amazing Benefits of Strategy Video Gaming

This form of gaming has "shown promise in improving brain function among older adults and may provide protection against dementia and Alzheimer's disease" [1]. Chandramallika Basak, a professor at The Center for Vital Longevity & School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas, noted that: "If the target is to improve older adults' cognitive control, reasoning, and higher-order cognitive skills, and stave off dementia and Alzheimer's disease as long as possible, then maybe strategy games are the way to go" [1]. And if pharmaceuticals with all their unwelcome side effects can be avoided, or delayed, then having fun gaming in order to stay in optimum mental health, is a great way to roll!

Boosting a Higher IQ 

"Correlational studies have consistently revealed that young people who play video games extensively have, on average, higher IQs and perform better on a wide variety of cognitive tests of perceptual and mental ability than do non-gamers" [4].

Cognitive Advantage


Multiple research trials have shown substantial improvement in the cognitive abilities of previous non-gamers. These findings were compiled by expert, Peter Gray, PhD, back in 2015, and published in Psychology Today. And more have followed. For example, a Psychological Bulletin article penned last year by Benoit Bediou et al., gave an overview of their analysis of a large number of correlational studies. These indicated that: "overall, [there are] strong positive relationships between the amount of time gaming and high scores on tests of perception, top-down attention, spatial cognition, multitasking, and cognitive flexibility (ability to switch strategies quickly when old ones strategies don’t work)" [4]. Moreover, the researchers' analysis of the intervention information suggested: "that even just 10 to 30 hours of video play, over the duration of an experiment, significantly improved performance on tests of perception, attention, spatial cognition, and cognitive flexibility" [4].

The Effects of Different Types of Video Games

As you may imagine, different kinds of video games, stimulate different varieties of mental abilities. For example, when compared to quick-paced action games: puzzle games and strategy role-playing, exercise problem-solving skills which are by nature, more reflective. Of note: "Both correlational and longitudinal research have indicated that play at these games improves general problem-solving ability and may even result in higher academic grades" [4].

Boosting Creativity

In 2017, David Moffat et al., analysed the immediate effects of video gaming on young adults' creativity, by employing the Torrance Tests, both prior to, and and immediately after, they had taken part in a game for 30 minutes. The overall results showed: "a large, significant gain in creative thinking, especially in that aspect of creative thinking referred to as flexibility. This finding is quite similar to findings in previous research" [4].


                                              Image credit: phys.org

The Benefits For Children Aged 6 to 11

In 2016, the Mailman School of Mental Health at Columbia University, undertook a huge study to put the spotlight on video gamers within this age bracket. It comprised 3195 children, and involved their teachers and parents answering questionnaires relating to each child’s emotional, social and intellectual functioning. The main discovery indicated: "that those who played video games for 5 hours a week or more, evidenced significantly higher intellectual functioning, higher academic achievement, better peer relationships, and fewer mental health difficulties than those who played such games less or not at all" [4].


Motivational Benefits


Gamers are challenged because the videos they play are often geared to perpetually increase the tier of difficulty. In fact, many gamers have reported that their use of various strategies, and their unwavering persistence, makes them successful. To that end, in 2013, Matthew Ventura et al., came up with a hypothesis that: "gamers would be more persistent—less likely to give up early—in solving difficult problems than would non-gamers"[4].


                                  Image credit: learningworksforkids.com

When the researchers conducted a study on this phenomenon with students, they consequently affirmed this hypothesis. They established that: "those who played video games many hours a week persisted significantly longer at attempting to solve very difficult anagrams and riddles than did those who played video games less or not at all. This gain in persistence may help explain the positive correlations between video gaming and [better] school grades" [4].


Emotional Benefits

Research which examines child gamers' own perceptions on the advantages of gaming, shows that they frequently acknowledge: "how video play helps them to deal better with the stress and frustrations of their non-play life [4].

Social Advantages


As you may have guessed, there are numerous means which empower video gamers with excellent social advantages. For a start, regulated online social interaction, such as that offered across the board by OONA, and other leading platforms, can be highly beneficial. Friends enjoy playing the same video games together on their smartphones, either in the same place, or further afield. Moreover, youngsters often speak about gaming and their favourite games, with their friends, even when they are not playing [4].


When youngsters are deprived of video gaming, it can have a detrimental knock-on effect, as they will not be able to join in conversations about gaming with their friends. To that end: "it is not surprising that research, such as the study mentioned earlier, involving children 6-11 years old, has revealed positive correlations between video gaming and social competence" [4].



More About OONA

OONA offers an unrivalled 3-in-1 FREE Unlimited Entertainment Bundle: Live VOD/TV, Video Games & Music Channels; the chance to earn daily virtual currency tcoin rewards for interacting & watching what they love; & fun tools & stickers for sharing & editing their favourite shows, music and games.



OONA TV is a free ad-supported, next generation virtual entertainment platform. A first of its kind, OONA consolidates the most popular apps with live TV, SVOD, TVOD, music, games and YouTube channels in a singular platform operating on iOS and Android smartphones, Android TV and Smart TV applications. Using cutting-edge user engagement technology, OONA generates customized ads for viewers and rewards them with a virtual currency called tcoins® as part of a loyalty reward system which can be redeemed for popular branded goods and services.


To enhance the user experience, OONA offers multiple features including a genie-in-the-app known as OONAbot, to personalize the user journey as well as unique tools and stickers to use while interacting with friends & family, and sharing on social media platforms. As the vMVPD of the future, OONA is set to revolutionize the way we consume content with much more control, flexibility and monetary benefits for consumers and businesses. Currently, OONA has over 250 subscription-free channels including movies, TV programs, live sports, documentaries, and local and global breaking news, which is available in Indonesia and set to roll out in 2019 Q3 across Vietnam, the Philippines, US, and the Middle East.

Wrapping Up

In summary, the substantial positive research on the multiple benefits of video gaming is overwhelming; and as this phenomenon grows bigger by the day, more studies by the world's leading research facilities will continue. And although, as OONA's CEO, Christophe Hochart points out, various parameters for optimum digital health need to be followed; if this is done, then the benefits to all age groups are nothing less than outstanding.

Now, anyone in the US, the Philippines, Vietnam and Israel, who wants to enjoy the benefits of OONA's 3-in-1 FREE Unlimited Entertainment Bundle: Live VOD/TV; Video Games & Music Channels; as well as the chance to earn daily virtual currency tcoin rewards for interacting & watching what they love; & sharing & editing their favourite shows, music and games, with fun tools and stickers, can download the OONA app next month. With other countries following next year. 

So downloading OONA's 3 in 1 FREE bundle which includes fun video games that can boost your brain's mental agility, improve your cognition, give you a higher IQ, and enhance your memory, is surely the way to go. And as this is an AVOD service, there are no subscriptions, and no one will have to pay a dime for their unlimited entertainment!


 References

[1]. Nichols, Hanna (2017). "How video games affect the brain." Medical News Today.

[2]. Niu, Mark (2018). "Mobile gaming revenue takes over PC and console games." CGNT.
https://america.cgtn.com/2018/02/27/mobile-gaming-revenue-takes-over-pc-and-console-games Accessed 18 Aug. 2019.

[3]. Entertainment Software Association (2019). "2019 Essential Facts About the Computer and Video Game Industry."

[4]. Gray, Peter (2018). "Benefits of Play Revealed in Research on Video Gaming." Psychology Today.



Tuesday 13 August 2019

Leader of the Pack: Streaming TV is King as it Continues to Rocket Up

                                  Image credit: Smithsonian


" Streaming recorded triple-digit increases in year-over-year viewing, with marked improvements in quality" [1]

Conviva, the real-time decisioning platform for optimized streaming media, has recently released its "Quarter 2, 2019 State of Streaming Report," highlighting industry shifts and new trends in viewer behavior [1].

                                            Image credit: Conviva

2019: The Year of Change

This year is witnessing: "industry consolidations, transitions, and additions of highly anticipated new entrants [such as OONA OTT Global TV, the cutting-edge mobile app which offers free unlimited entertainment on the go & on home TVs via OONA's Android TV box & casting], which are poised to compete for market share" [1].

As the founder and CEO of OONA, leading digital strategist and AI specialist, Christophe Hochart, is very well aware that: "as competition mounts for streaming providers, imperative to their success will be visibility and actionability upon every aspect of the viewer experience including consumption and quality of content and ads, as well as the influence of social media" [1]. So to that end, the OONA teams in the US, Indonesia, other parts of Asia, Africa, Israel, etc., are ensuring that these aspects are their priority.

Top Intelligence

Conviva's analyses involves a whopping trillion real-time events every day via 3 billion apps streaming across devices in 180 countries. Moreover, it empowers streaming providers with "an unmatched scale for continuous video measurement, intelligence, and benchmarking across every second of every stream on every screen." This study, which comprises Conviva's: "year-over-year data from Q2 2019 as compared to Q2 2018, was normalized based on its customer base." [1]. - So the firm's reports hold a lot of weight.

The Predicted Market Saturation Is Pete Tong (Wrong)

Regardless of the emphatic insistence by so many critics, who were convinced that: "market saturation is imminent, overall growth of streaming consumption has continued to increase. The number of viewing hours more than doubled between Q2 2018 and Q2 2019, with gains of 130% overall" [1].

Connected TV views led the way, with television indicating: "28.8 minutes of watch time per play for a massive 143% year-over-year increase in viewing hours" [1]. Further: "mobile viewing [such as that offered by OONA TV], still grew more than 2x with viewing hours up 109% as compared to the previous year" [1]. Moreover, even though PCs are not the device of choice for streaming, mobile devices and connected televisions: "still grew significantly for a 75% increase in viewing hours" [1].

                                            Image credit: Conviva

                                              Image credit: Conviva
                                       
Focusing on Top Quality Streaming Experiences

"In Q2 2019 the industry achieved significant quality improvements including 42% less buffering" [1] 

Meeting and surpassing consumer expectations by providing top quality seamless streaming experiences, such as those provided by OONA TV, is essential. And as Conviva states: "Compelling content is only part of the equation. To deliver [superior quality streaming even during peak periods necessitates] visibility and control as well as granular viewer intelligence for streaming providers and the entire ecosystem" [1].

                                  Image credit: Mercator Net

The Unstoppable Success of On-Demand Video

As Conviva reports: although live viewing racked up a year-over-year increase across devices at a reasonable 93% (with a mean of 26.4 minutes per play), VOD viewing escalated "much faster than live with a 155% increase year-over-year clocking 17.1 minutes per play" [1].

Mobile however, achieved: "122% growth in on-demand viewing and just 86% increase in live" [1]. And although connected television enjoyed robust growth in both classes: "video on demand edged slightly ahead of live viewing at 149% and 133% growth respectively" [1].

At the present time, VOD accounts for a whopping 66% of total viewing hours, (up from 59% in 2018). Moreover, mobile devices are responsible for an almost equivalent percentage of: "live versus on-demand viewing at 22.8% and 23.7%, PCs garner more share of on-demand viewing at 16.5% versus 12.6%, and connected TVs command more share of live at 56.5% versus 53.1% [1].

The Assets that Generated the Streaming Revolution

Right since the get-go, investors and industry leaders have witnessed streaming's sensational growth, and this year has shown even more icing on the cake. The conventional television industry was reliant on finite data, archaic measurement, and inflexible standards. - But the streaming revolution has brought with it a huge "potential of a rapidly maturing market, flexibility, targeting, and data to understand the audience like never before" [1]. Pioneering innovators in the industry such as YouTube and Hulu, just keep getting better and better, and their drive to concentrate on understanding their audience in order to optimize their streaming service, has truly paid off. Moreover: "significant new entrants [such as OONA Global TV and OONA US], will find untapped potential as they attract new subscribers and grow the share of wallet to the benefit of the streaming industry overall" [1].

More About OONA

OONA TV is a free ad-supported, next generation virtual entertainment platform. A first of its kind, OONA consolidates the most popular apps with live TV, SVOD, TVOD, music, games and YouTube channels in a singular platform operating on all major devices. Using cutting-edge technology, OONA generates personalized ads for viewers and rewards them with a virtual currency called tcoins® as part of a loyalty reward system. As the vMVPD of the future, OONA provides much more control, flexibility and monetary benefits for consumers and businesses. Currently, OONA has over 250 subscription-free channels including movies, TV programs, live sports, documentaries, and local and global breaking news which is available in Indonesia and set to roll out in Q3 across Vietnam, the Philippines, US, and the Middle East.



Reference

[1]. Conviva (2019). "Q2 2019: Conviva's State of the Streaming TV Industry."
Accessed 10 Aug, 2019.