Development of a Next-Generation Android TV Streaming Application for Telecom Operators

Telecommunications

Media

Consumer services

Current Challenges in Deploying Branded OTT Streaming on Android TV Platforms

The client faces difficulties in delivering a seamless, branded online TV and VoD experience to Android TV users, including legacy code limitations, limited integration capabilities, and the need to scale monetization through advertising and white-label solutions. Their existing infrastructure lacks the flexibility for rapid deployment, personalized user experiences, and comprehensive content management, hindering their strategic growth in streaming services.

About the Client

A mid-to-large telecommunications provider seeking to enhance its OTT streaming services with branded Android TV applications and monetization features.

Strategic Goals for the New Android TV Streaming Platform

Design and develop a customizable, branded Android TV application offering live TV, catch-up, VoD, and personal recordings.
Implement features supporting seamless login, personalized content management, and advanced TV guide functionalities.
Enhance monetization through targeted ad insertion, whitelabeling capabilities, and integration with third-party ad services.
Ensure smooth integration with existing backend services, including custom metadata retrieval and device authorization mechanisms.
Refactor legacy code where applicable to ensure high performance, stability, and maintainability of the application.
Deliver a scalable, secure, and user-friendly streaming solution compatible with a range of Android TV and Fire TV devices.

Functional Specifications for Branded OTT Streaming Application

Live TV streaming with startover functionality
Catch-up TV up to 72 hours
Network personal recordings stored on server (NPVR)
Video on demand with extensive movie and series library
Add channels to Favorites and create Watchlists
Continue Watching feature with session persistence
Advanced TV guide with mini Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
Content filtering by categories and genres
Parental controls based on video categories
Autoplay and closed captioning functionalities
Automatic display of meta descriptions during playback
Branded user interface with custom launcher
Home screen content integration including Google Assistant and ATV content
Third-party service integrations for extended functionalities
Secure device authorization based on MAC addresses

Preferred Technologies and Architectural Approaches

APK-based application deployment for Android TV and Fire TV devices

Single Activity architecture for improved navigation and seamless background/fullscreen transitions

Integration with Android TV features such as Google Assistant and ATV Home

Custom launcher to deliver branded UI experience

External System and Service Integrations

Backend content management systems for live, catch-up, and VoD
Third-party ad insertion and monetization platforms
Metadata retrieval services for enriched content descriptions
Device authorization services based on MAC addresses
Extended metadata services for personalized content recommendations

Key Non-Functional Requirements

Scalability to support a growing number of streaming devices and concurrent users
High availability and reliability for uninterrupted streaming
Performance optimization to enable instant login and minimal buffering
Security measures including secure device authorization and data protection
Maintainability through clean architecture and code refactoring

Expected Business Outcomes and Impact

The implementation of this scalable and branded Android TV streaming solution is projected to enhance the client’s service offering, increase user engagement, and generate additional revenue streams through targeted advertising and white-label partnerships. It aims to improve user satisfaction by providing a seamless, feature-rich viewing experience, ultimately supporting strategic growth in the OTT streaming market.