David Farnor | On 19, Nov 2016

EE has introduced a new “watch with Twitter” feature for its TV customers.

In a first for the UK, EE TV has teamed up with the social network to allow users to see at a glance which TV programmes are currently trending.

The new feature means EE TV set top box viewers can discover and watch the most talked-about programmes in real time. Using data directly from Twitter UK, up to five of the highest trending live shows are highlighted in the EE TV electronic programme guide, and throughout the EE TV interface, as well as programmes starting in the next hour. Meanwhile, in the programme view, EE TV will also include the official hashtag of major shows, so people can join in the conversation separately on Twitter.

The innovative feature is a natural fit for both, as Twitter continues to position itself as the social network that unfolds in real time, both as a background soundtrack to live TV viewing and a place to stream live video directly, through its growing partnerships with companies such as the NFL.

“Great telly and Twitter have always gone hand-in-hand – people love talking about their favourite shows and our new partnership with EE makes it easier than ever to discover which programmes are creating the biggest conversations,” says Dara Nasr, UK Managing Director, Twitter.

EE, meanwhile, is establishing its TV package as one of the more advanced pay-TV offerings in this country, with its interface between mobile devices and set top box allowing for copious downloading, streaming and control options.

Indeed, EE is also updating its Replay functionality. Replay allows customers to view the last 24 hours of TV from their favourite channels – ideal for those who arrive home late or want to watch a programme not available on catch-up TV. From today, EE is increasing the number of SD channels customers can select on Replay from six to eight. Customers are also able to refine what content is made available on Replay by programme category, with 10 options available including: Movies, Drama, Kids and Sport. This means they can quickly get to the content they want to watch.

EE is also taking 41 channels from two of its most popular apps, TVPlayer and Box Plus, and making them easier to find by integrating them directly into its electronic programme guide.

Noel Hamill, Managing Director of Marketing, EE, adds: “We continue to evolve the EE TV experience for new and existing customers – ensuring it’s even easier for them to discover shows they’ll love. We’re also excited to be the first TV platform in the UK to partner with Twitter on integrating its ‘Watch with Twitter’ features, meaning customers are in the loop on all the most talked about programmes.”

The enhanced Replay feature and new electronic programme guide will be rolled out to all existing customers throughout November. EE also plans to work with Twitter to add further features in 2017.

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