Flingo teams with Linkin Park on smart TV app

Smart TV app publisher Flingo is partnering with alternative metal band Linkin Park to create the band's official app for smart TVs.

Flingo's Linkin Park app will use connected TVs to distribute video, behind-the-scenes footage of studio sessions and concerts, photos and tour dates.

"Flingo provides us with a new way to connect with our fans and give them immediate access to our videos," said Linkin Park's Joe Hahn. "We know our videos are going to look great and sound amazing. Plus, the app gives us total creative control over the format and frequency of which we can reach viewers and listeners."

The app soon will be available for connected TVs from Insignia, LG, Samsung, Vizio, and Sanyo and on Western Digital and Netgear devices.

Researchers predict more than 53 million connected TVs will ship in 2012, more than double projections for 2011, and a 750 percent increase over 2010.

And, according to Topology Research Institute, social networking functionality is expected to be the "killer app" for smart TVs, with other features like user interface, gaming functions, Internet browsing, over-the-top) video and search tools all playing a role in market success.

Flingo said the Linkin Park app will integrates the web with the TV experience, giving viewers more content on TV in a highly personalized, interactive experience. And, the app will allow fans to share their favorite moments across popular social networks.

Flingo, founded in 2008, is currently available on 7.2 million screens, in 117 countries worldwide.

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