BLITZ Agency Launches FXNow App for Windows 10 that Integrates Voice-Commands, Cortana and Live Tiles

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Jun 17, 2016, 08:01 ET

LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BLITZ, a full-service digital agency, has developed a new FXNOW Windows 10 app for FX Networks that will feature first-ever voice enablement, along with integration of Cortana and Live Tiles on Windows.

FX Networks, a business unit of 21^st Century Fox comprised of the networks FX, FXX and FXM and the video on-demand app FXNOW, will roll out the new FXNOW universal app for Windows 10 today. While the first iteration of the app was released for Windows desktop and tablet in 2013, the entertainment network sought out an upgrade: one that could target all Windows devices, including mobile, support voice commands and queries—thanks to Cortana, Microsoft's virtual assistant—and the Windows Live Tiles user interface.

The enhancements will enable even greater engagement and faster access to FX Networks' acclaimed and award-winning series such as "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story," "American Horror Story," "The Americans," "Archer," "Baskets," "Fargo," "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," "Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll" and "The Strain."

"Historically, developing native applications to individually target mobile, tablet and desktop has required a significant amount of effort. With Windows 10, we are seeing a lot of new features that will allow companies, big or small, to easily upgrade their apps with the latest technology," said Noah Gedrich, VP of Technology for BLITZ.

The Universal Windows Platform allows BLITZ and developers everywhere to target desktop, tablet, mobile and console with a single code base as well as seamlessly connect to native Windows services and video and authenticator provider. This ultimately reduces development time and production cost. Within three months, BLITZ was able to leverage the existing FXNOW app to build out the Windows 10 features, allowing users to get updates on the newest shows from the Live Tile and pull up video content simply by saying "Hey Cortana, play Archer on FXNow."

Windows 10 is currently installed in over 300 million devices and people are spending more time on Windows than ever before. With a goal to reach 1 billion device installations, it is clear why app development has become increasingly top-of-mind for brands and why it is important for "efficiency in launch" as the number of users continue to grow.

About BLITZ

BLITZ is an award-winning, full-service, digital creative agency that believes being a favorite brand has more value than just being a famous one. Founded in 2001, the agency crafts beautiful and useful connected ecosystems for clients that include Disney, TaylorMade, Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, FX, Dole and Mattel, to name a few. BLITZ has 250 employees and is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in New York and Boston. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter or subscribe to our WHY Report.

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