MUMBAI: Orange has announced that its new social TV app, TVcheck, is now available to download from the UK Apple App Store for iPhones.

The free app is available on any network and provides a new and exciting way to enhance the live TV experience with social and gaming tools.

The app works with 25 free-to-air channels in the UK, including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Channel 5.
 
One of TVcheck’s features is its live TV image recognition technology. During any programme on a compatible channel, the user can point his/her phone at the television screen. The app then recognises the television programme and registers that you have ‘checked in’ to the programme.

Once the user has checked in to a TV show, you can make use of the app’s other simple features. The user can participate in live quizzes, earn badges or challenge other viewers to become ‘top dog’ of a specific programme or channel.
 
Additionally, the app provides a seamless connection to social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter allowing you to chat and send messages about your favourite programmes while watching TV. Customers will soon also have access to other treats such as unseen footage from their favourite shows.

The app, available on other apps stores in the future including Android Market Place, follows its successful release in France last year. Orange has already partnered in France with leading TV channels and programmes, including Channel NT1 (You Can Dance); Channel NRJ12 (Les Anges de la Téléréalité/Angels of Reality TV) and Direct Star (Direct Star sur Sc?ne/Stars are on Stage) to deliver exclusive interactive experiences, based on the TV content, to TVcheck users.