GMA launches dongle for mobile TV


After launching its digital box last year, GMA Network is now offering its mobile digital terrestrial television (DTT) receiver GMA Now – a plug-and-play dongle that allows users to watch TV on their Android phones for free.

“As the country’s leading broadcast network, it is only fitting that we continue to improve our content and innovate our digital TV products. This is our way of expressing gratitude to our loyal Kapuso for their unceasing support,” said GMA Chairman Felipe L. Gozon.

He added that, “We are proud to say that GMA Now is the first mobile DTT receiver to combine traditional TV with the advantages of interactivity via the internet.”

Gozon said “This product was developed by our digital media and technology arm GMA New Media, Inc. with the Filipino viewers in mind as we adapt to their evolving needs and interests.”

GMA New Media President Dennis Augusto Caharian said in an interview that they aim to sell as much as 500,000 to 1 million units within one year of the launch. The service is currently available in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bulacan, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, and Cagayan de Oro.

He said GMA Now enables Android smartphones to receive clear and live digital TV broadcast of GMA, GMA News TV, Heart of Asia, Hallypop, and soon, DepEd TV, as well as other free-to-air channels available in their area.

Aside from this, the GMA Now also has bonus interactive features that users can get to enjoy while connected to the internet such as video-on-demand, group messaging, and program updates. 

GMA Now currently works with any Android smartphone that runs on Android OS Marshmallow (Android 6.0) or higher, Dual Core 1Ghz CPU, and USB OTG support. It is yet to be available for iPhone users.