Unveils new connected strategy to take 4G into new and exciting growth areas, targeting Connected Home, Connected Car, Connected Business and Connected You
UK mobile operator, EE, today unveiled the world’s first 4G connected action camera, the 4GEE Action Cam. 4GEE Action Cam will allow users to broadcast HD video content live and on the go to smartphones and tablets, and it will be the first in a range of 4G ‘connected’ devices planned from EE in 2015, all designed to take advantage of EE’s superfast 4G mobile network.
Set to rival established but unconnected devices already in the market such as GoPro, the 4GEE Action Cam is capable of capturing both full HD video (1080p) (720p for broadcast) and 13MP stills. The camera also allows users to drop the resolution to standard definition in favour of a higher frame rate (60fps), perfect for capturing usmooth action footage, such as cycling and other fast moving adventure sports.
It includes an accompanying viewfinder watch which provides a simple and convenient way to frame pictures and video, and lets the user stay in control with a quick glance at the wrist. The watch can also take photos and start or stop recording with a simple press of a button, so the filmmaker doesn’t have to fiddle with the camera itself when they’re in the heat of the action.
Similarly, the Action Cam app, available on iOS and Android, allows the user to have complete control over all camera functions and settings, with the added option of managing pictures, videos, data usage and top-ups.
With the 4GEE Action Cam live action enthusiasts can broadcast their video moments via the new multimedia personal broadcasting streaming platform, skeegle, and store on an SD card to re-live those moments.
The live broadcast functionality of the 4GEE Action Cam is also powered by skeegle. skeegle has three main functions: broadcast for live streaming; replay, a personal programme guide containing all the user’s skeegle videos; and Circles, which is the way users create and manage contact groups. Each skeegle stream can last up to 10 minutes, and unlike other live mobile broadcasting services, skeegle is totally personal so only friends, family and contacts that the user invites can see their stream.
Olaf Swantee, CEO, EE, said: “Over the past two years we’ve witnessed how 4G connectivity has changed behaviour and instilled a desire to connect and communicate instantaneously when out and about. We’ve introduced our connected strategy as we understand our customers not only want superfast coverage, they want products that give them the very best experiences, coupled with the most innovative and exciting ways in which to share them.
“The 4GEE Action Cam is a great example of this, a product that keeps us connected in a new way, even in the most extreme conditions, sharing those epic moments as they unfold,” added Swantee. “It’s the first of several highly innovative products from our devices portfolio to be unveiled this year for work and for play, offering a video experience like no other currently available on the market.”
The device comes with a lightweight case to protect the camera from knocks and bumps, as well a fully waterproof case which protects it up to 60 metres. It also provides three hours of active battery life and space for up to 64GB external memory.
In addition to the 4GEE Action Cam, EE has announced a new connected strategy. EE is now looking beyond mobile phones and is taking steps to enable the connected future. EE’s new connected strategy will see it develop its own products, as well as work with innovative businesses to deliver new and exciting experiences for customers.
The EE connected strategy focuses on four main areas: Connected Home, bringing the world into consumers’ homes, making people, their families and home environment even smarter; Connected You – allowing people to play, keep fit, interact, and share on the go; Connected Car – keeping cars running efficiently and keeping drivers and their passengers constantly connected; and Connected Business, helping businesses and workers to be even more efficient, flexible and productive, while enabling new products and services with the potential to change the face of business in Britain.
The 4GEE Action Cam will be available from 16 June via EE, as well as indirect partners. The 4GEE Action Cam will be available from £15 on pay monthly.
