watchmi is the unique combination of Axel Springer’s program guide technology and program information services and Philips’ APRICO recommender technology. This intelligent service enables viewers to create truly personalized TV channels and provides advertisers with a powerful platform for targeted and interactive advertising. The result is a win-win for viewers and advertisers: personalized TV channels filled with content and advertisements that accurately reflect viewers’ preferences.

Virtual Channels

watchmi enables viewers to add to their existing program offering a range of “virtual” personalized TV channels. These personal channels are created automatically and are continuously updated, reflecting individual television preferences and viewing behaviour. In this manner the viewer creates one or more personally-tailored TV channels, which can be easily accessed thanks to the service’s intelligent and “self-learning“ program profile.

The virtual channels consist of content that is automatically recorded from the entire range of content available: both linear broadcast and new, non-linear entertainment from the internet. Programs can then be replayed “on demand.” Viewers can also search for programs based on a specific interest.

watchmi delivers exactly that entertainment that viewers want − and provides premium editorial information matching this content.

As of Fall 2009 watchmi is available as a plugin for Windows Media Center - additional information and free download can be found at www.watchmi.tv. It is also offered as a free download by Axel Springer and APRICO Solutions in various locations online. The Personal TV solution will be available for integrated TV-Sets, Digital Video Recorders and many other CE-devices including portable media players.

The personalized TV experience provided with watchmi opens up new possibilities in customer communication. It allows advertisers to reach their intended audience with tailored messages in a relevant context that redefines the very word “advertising.”

Advertising solutions with watchmi

In order to meet increased viewer demands and to counteract ad-skipping, advertisers need to develop innovative and strategic marketing campaigns that go beyond traditional formats. Advanced technologies, increasingly empowered consumers and forward-thinking marketers are redefining how advertising is created, sold, consumed and measured. Conventional formats evolve to become contextually relevant, personalized, interactive and permission-based.

In response to this environment, watchmi offers a platform for new advertising opportunities that will enable advertisers to effectively target audiences by finding better ways to identify, measure and respond to consumers’ program preference and spend advertising budgets in most efficient ways.