Turner to roll out Gumball VIP second-screen app internationally

Turner International is set to roll out its ‘Gumball VIP’ second-screen kids app in a host of countries following a successful trial of the service in the UK last year.

Gumball VIP will roll out in 10 different markets, including Italy, the Philippines and Singapore before the end of 2018.

It will then go live in Australia, New Zealand, Poland, Romania, Spain, France and the UK in the first quarter of 2019.

The iOS and Android app combines linear TV viewing of Cartoon Network series The Amazing World of Gumball with interactive second screen activity.

The technology was licensed by Austrian start-up Tonio, was trialled in the UK during the school half term week in October 2017 and was also used in the US for the 2018 CN Summer Challenge.

“Linear TV remains a key medium for kids, but what we need to do is ensure that it remains relevant in today’s world where there is a big shift in how our fans watch and engage with our content,” said Patricia Hidalgo, chief content officer, Turner EMEA & International Kids Strategy.

“Using this innovative technology allows us to do just that, by digitising the linear TV viewing experience and adding that all-important element of interactivity. At Turner we proudly create environments that our fans can move through seamlessly.”