TORONTO – Tablet device like the Apple iPad and Blackberry Playbook are the “dashboards of tomorrow” and will change the way that we live, work, and play, according to Rogers.
On Friday at Rogers TabLife TO, an event designed to showcase tablets’ potential, Rogers unveiled its new data sharing plans, the upcoming launch of Rogers On Demand Online for tablets, and its plans to introduce remote PVR capabilities on tablets and smart phones for its digital cable customers.
"The tablet is the command centre – a mobile hub through which our customers will be able to access everything in their world – from reading email for work to looking at photos, programming their televisions to turning on lights at home, checking on friends on Facebook and even updating their personal finances," said John Boynton, EVP and chief marketing officer, in a statement. "Our role is to enable these experiences seamlessly and reliably across all devices. Our announcement today reflects our commitment to ensuring we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers."
Rogers said that its new data sharing plans will enable users to share data from one plan across multiple devices. Customers may apply a data sharing add-on starting to their existing plans starting at an additional $15 per month.
A tablet-optimized version of Rogers On Demand Online will feature hours of primetime TV, movies, sports, music and will adapt perfectly to a variety of tablet screen sizes and operating systems. Starting next year, customers will be able to go on-line on any tablet free of charge to access Rogers On Demand as well as Rogers’ new Remote PVR service to set and manage recordings from any tablet, and smart phone anywhere, anytime.
Boynton said that tablets are also transforming the way businesses access and share information, and quoted survey data from the Strategic Counsel that found that six in 10 Canadian tablet owners are using their tablets for occasional or regular work. According to forecasts from Deloitte, in 2011, 25% of all tablets sold will be bought by enterprises or bought by employees and paid for by enterprises.
"Tablets present new and unique possibilities that can deliver real value for businesses," he added. "We expect to see a fast acceleration in the number of businesses looking to tablets as critical mobile productivity drivers. We will work with our business customers to provide them with the service, plans and reliability they expect from us."
Rogers On Demand Online and Remote PVR for tablets will be available in early 2011.
