4oD, the video on demand service of the UK’s Channel 4, is now available on a variety of devices running Windows 8, with a new app developed by KIT digital. Development and testing of the app was completed to a very challenging schedule (around 3 months), and Channel 4 was able to launch it in the Windows Store on 14 December. The 4oD app embraces the new Windows user interface. The specification from Channel 4 was that the app should utilise the benefits of the ‘snap’ feature of Windows 8. By taking advantage of this feature, Channel 4 customers can easily watch a movie on demand while working on other things. The app also adds functionality including ‘click to ads’. A user can click on a target in a commercial which will open a browser window with further information on the product, or ordering information, without closing the 4oD app or missing video content. “Channel 4 recognises that its audience expects to be able to access its programmes on the platform of their choice, at the time of their choice,” said Mark Christie, chief technology officer of KIT digital. “They also recognise that in a multi-platform universe each device has its individual strengths. To meet audience expectations the interface has to draw on those strengths. Anand Krishnan, senior director, Developer and Platform Group, Microsoft UK, said: “We’re excited to see how developers are bringing their best work to the Windows platform, and we believe this is a key factor behind the momentum that Windows 8 has enjoyed since launch. The work that KIT digital has done on the 4oD app is a great example of this, with the result being a really slick app that makes the very most of touchscreen input.” www.kitd.com
