CNET Video Programming Available On Microsoft's Xbox 360 And Samsung Smart TVs

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- CNET, the world's #1 consumer electronics news and reviews brand, today announced its popular video programming is available now on Microsoft's industry-leading Xbox 360® and will appear later this month on Samsung's Smart TVs.

Xbox 360 and Samsung Smart TV customers can sit back and watch popular long-form programs from CNET such as Molly Wood's "Always On," Brian Cooley's "On Cars" and Brian Tong's "Apple Byte" on their big-screen TVs. Viewers can also catch live-streamed tech events or learn about the latest gadgets through hands-on product reviews and comparative videos.

Additionally, CNET Video+, a complementary second-screen app for the Android, iOS and Xbox SmartGlass platforms, will let viewers interact with the video in real-time.

• For Samsung Smart TV users, CNET's video content will be available on a wide range of 2011 and newer Samsung Smart TV and Blu-ray players. The companion CNET Video+ for Android app can intuitively determine the specific episode that is playing and offer complementary content, such as polls, quizzes, product information, reviews and more. Users can play/pause/show content with a mobile device like the Samsung Galaxy S III, Galaxy Note 10.1 or Galaxy Tab 2. The Smart TV integration and Android and iOS apps will be available later this month. Visit Samsung's app page at http://www.samsung.com/us/article/know-your-apps-cnet for more information.
• For the Xbox LIVE® platform on Xbox 360, CNET is creating specially curated editorial content and exclusive deals/subscription offers for Xbox LIVE audiences. Users can also navigate CNET content via voice and gesture control using Kinect for Xbox 360. More information about CNET programming on Xbox 360 is available at http://www.xbox.com/en-US/live/partners. In addition, CNET Video+ soon will be available on Xbox SmartGlass, which will let viewers use their phone or tablet as a second-screen with their Xbox 360. With SmartGlass, multiple devices work together for rich, interactive experiences.

The licensing agreements with Microsoft and Samsung are at the heart of CNET's strategy to bring its award-winning video programming into the digital living room.

"We're programming for every possible screen – from the smartphone to the television – with video increasingly at the heart of everything we do," said Mark Larkin, Senior Vice President and General Manager of CNET. "Platforms like the Xbox 360 and Samsung Smart TV allow us to extend the reach of our short- and long-form content and deliver a unique, engaging experience where users love to watch video." 

"Our goal is to make the entertainment people love more amazing on Xbox by delivering high-quality video from premium content providers to consumers everywhere," said Ross Honey, General Manager of Xbox LIVE Entertainment and Advertising. "We expect CNET's programming will perform well with the Xbox 360 audience, who are looking for the latest tech news and reviews to help shape their purchasing decisions."

"Increasingly, those who enjoy programming on Samsung Smart TVs also have a phone or tablet in their hand," said Eric Anderson, Vice President of Content and Product Solutions at Samsung Electronics America, Inc. "The new CNET app is a perfect example of an effective multi-screen experience."

In addition to Xbox 360 and Samsung's Smart TVs, the entire CNET video lineup is also now available on Windows 8. The CNET app for Windows 8 is available at http://apps.microsoft.com/webpdp/app/cnet/b7dcd9b2-6729-40eb-b462-ef340d652cf3.

The Xbox 360 and Samsung partnerships bring CNET content to greater numbers of potential viewers. CNET's broadcast-quality video programming already attracts nearly 20 million monthly views through select CBS Audience Network partners, including AOL, MSN, Yahoo! and YouTube, as well as Roku (http://www.roku.com/channels#!details/2251/cnet), which has delivered a 150 percent year-over-year increase in completed video views.

About CNET
CNET shows the exciting possibilities of how technology can enhance and enrich people's lives. Each month, millions of people visit CNET to get the information, tools, and advice that help them decide what to buy and how to get the most out of that technology. CNET features the latest news and unbiased reviews, videos that help demystify technology, software, mobile apps and game downloads, user opinion and reviews, and popular shows like "The 404." Follow CNET on Twitter (@CNET) or Facebook (www.facebook.com/cnet). CNET is a property of CBS Interactive.

SOURCE CNET