GMA optimistic on ‘GMA Now’s’ launch despite COVID-19 pandemic

Banking on Filipinos’ increasing preference to watch video content on smartphones, GMA Network Inc. is optimistic that its latest offering, GMA Now, will be well-received by the public despite the restrictions due to COVID-19 pandemic.

GMA Now is a mobile digital terrestrial television (DTT) receiver, a plug-and-play dongle that allows users to watch TV on the go for free and enjoy exclusive interactive features.

In a media interview during the unveiling of the device on Thursday, GMA New Media Inc. president and COO Dennis Augusto Caharian said that while it is a challenge that many people are still encouraged to stay indoors amid the threat of COVID-19, the network is confident that the “propagation of this particular product could be encouraging.”

“Mobility is one of our motivations for creating this product,” Caharian said.

“Based on internal data, a lot of people are using their mobile phones to consume video... Based on statistics, more than half of those who have SIM cards have smartphones,” he said.

“Hopefully these things help us achieve our objective of selling as many GMA Now [units] as possible,” he added.

GMA Network is targeting to sell within 500,000 to one million units of GMA Now in the first year of the product’s launch.

GMA Now, priced at only P649 per unit with no monthly fees, is currently available in portions of Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Metro Cebu, Davao, Baguio, and Cagayan de Oro.

The device was made available for purchase exclusively online via the official GMA Store on Shopee and Lazada, on December 12, 2020.

While it is available online, Caharian said “it would really help if the quarantine is lifted and people are going to the malls.”

GMA Now enables Android smartphones to receive clear and live digital TV broadcast of the Kapuso channels GMA, GMA News TV, Heart of Asia, Hallypop, and soon, DepEd TV, as well as other free-to-air channels available in their area.

“As the country’s leading broadcast network, it is only fitting that we continue to improve our content and innovate our digital TV products. This is our way of expressing gratitude to our loyal Kapuso for their unceasing support," said GMA Network Chairman and CEO Felipe L. Gozon.

"We are proud to say that GMA Now is the first mobile DTT receiver to combine traditional TV with the advantages of interactivity via the internet. This product was developed by our digital media and technology arm GMA New Media, Inc. with the Filipino viewers in mind as we adapt to their evolving needs and interests,” he added.

Aside from enabling Android smartphones to receive live digital TV signal, GMA Now also has bonus interactive features that users can get to enjoy while connected to the internet.

Through the GMA Videos-On-Demand  tab, GMA Now users can likewise get access to exclusive Kapuso content whenever they want. 

GMA Now’s exclusive messaging service Groupee Chat allows viewers to create groups and chat with family and friends while watching GMA programs. And soon, they can also get the latest updates on their favorite Kapuso shows via this feature.

Bringing entertainment to a whole new level are GMA Now’s Interactive Promos where users can join fun quizzes and polls for a chance to win prizes.

GMA Now works with any Android smartphone that runs on Android OS Marshmallow (Android 6.0) or higher, Dual Core 1Ghz CPU, and USB OTG support.

GMA Now is also set to be available soon for iPhone users.

Users should simply download the GMA Now app from the Google Play Store to register for free and attach the GMA Now dongle on the smartphone.

Kapuso viewers can also catch GMA Now’s grand launch slated on ‘All-Out Sundays’ on February 7.—AOL, GMA News

Read more about it here. Lazada GMA Store. Shopee GMA Store.