Gogo unveils its in-air multimedia platform
updated 04:05 pm EDT, Thu July 14, 2011
Gogo to launch in-air platform this fall
Gogo this week announced it will offer an in-flight multimedia platform rather than just offering in-flight Wi-Fi, as it has to date. Users will, through their own Wi-Fi-enabled devices, have the ability to access real-time travel information, destination content, news and information and exclusive shopping deals. All this will come from a web browser, and passengers will also have access to streaming videos, though how this will be delivered isn't known.
The service will be faster than the regular access, as it will be based on the plane rather than the ground. The company said this will eventually be fast to serve an entire plane's passengers at the same time. Movies can be ordered a la carte, though pricing isn't finalized yet. Some content will be free of charge, Gogo said. If a movie gets cut because of a short flight, users will have a 24-hour window within which they can finish it outside the plane. Other content will include games, magazines and podcasts.
Beta testing is now ongoing with American Airlines, with Delta due to come onboard soon. Other existing Gogo partners are expected to come aboard the project during the winter of 2012. Work on international services is also progressing, though no specifics were mentioned.
Gogo will offer the service to airlines so they can brand in as their own. The option is due to go live this fall.
