Zeebox Makes U.S. Debut

NEW YORK: The TV companion app zeebox, which launched in the U.K. last year, has come to the U.S., striking partnerships with Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, HBO and Cinemax across more than 30 television networks.

Zeebox allows consumers to find what to watch by browsing a set of comprehensive TV listings, social media and personalized recommendations. The cloud-based app recognizes the context of what viewers are watching and offers relevant content and experiences from across the Internet, TV programmers, social networks and advertisers.

Comcast Cable and NBCU are already on board, bringing their customers and tens of millions of viewers across hundreds of channels. As launch partners, Comcast Cable and NBCU are backing zeebox with investments and promotional support. HBO is the exclusive premium network partner of zeebox, offering programming such as Boardwalk Empire and True Blood as well as originals from Cinemax such as Strike Back.

“We are proud to launch with this game-changing roster of partners who recognize the importance of fully meeting web-empowered consumer expectations,” said Ernesto Schmitt, the CEO and co-founder of zeebox. “As consumers continue to flock to social media and the web to experience a program beyond what is on the screen, zeebox gives content owners and programmers a direct line of communication, feedback and engagement that has never before been possible.”

"We’re excited to team with zeebox on their U.S. launch," added Steve Burke, the CEO of NBCUniversal. "As the Olympics demonstrated, the second screen experience has become an increasingly important platform to engage audiences. We think the zeebox technology presents tremendous opportunities for our viewers and our advertisers."

Neil Smit, the CEO of Comcast Cable, commented, “zeebox is a really compelling second-screen companion viewing platform, and we’re excited to join such a strong group of industry partners in its launch. zeebox will offer a unique nationwide TV companion experience that will make viewing live TV more engaging, compelling and fun.”

“Our audiences have demonstrated a clear commitment to connecting with HBO and Cinemax programming on a deeper level,” said Eric Kessler, HBO’s co-president. “zeebox offers a unique, comprehensive platform that drives discovery, engagement and conversation around our most beloved programs and stars.”