Posts Tagged gogo video

Aircell's Eric Lemond demonstrates Gogo's new services

Gogo Inflight Internet has some surprises in store later this year, with plans to launch a full-fledged video entertainment service for laptops, mobile phones and tablet devices.

I got the scoop from Eric Lemond, Aircell’s director of product and platform development, at the recent 2010 CES International show in Las Vegas. And while most U.S. flights now offer little in the way of entertainment, Gogo aims to change that.

Gogo now offers broadband, Wi-Fi Internet access on nearly 700 planes flown by six airlines—American, Delta, United, Virgin America, Air Canada and AirTran. U.S. Airways will soon be coming on board.

Gogo passed the two-million user mark this month—sooner than expected. I’ve used the service on just about every American Airlines flight where it’s been available—checking e-mail, sending instant messages, getting the latest news and weather and even tracking the flight.

When it launches, Gogo Video will offer hundreds of movies and television shows which can be watched inflight. Movies will be available about the same time they are released on DVD.

“We’re trying to bring IFE (inflight entertainment) into the Internet age with this product,” says Lemond. “When you put it on a plane, it really is a game changer.”

If you don’t finish watching your movie before having to stow your gear for landing, don’t worry. The movie is still on your hard drive and can be viewed for 24 hours from the time of purchase. Some of the TV shows will be sold outright, with no time limitations on watching them.

This next step makes a lot of sense. Gogo has already wired planes for Wi-Fi. So with a little modification, Gogo Video can upload videos to a wide range of portable devices. With the proliferation of smartphones, netbooks and e-readers, this could be huge.

At initial launch, the service will be available only on Windows machines. Macs and mobile devices will follow.

Prices have not been firmed up yet, but I’m told programs will be offered at a “small premium” over prices on the ground.

Gogo’s Internet access for laptops ranges from $4.95 to $12.95 per flight, depending on the length, and $7.95 for smartphones. Also available are 30-day and 24-hour passes. Free access is offered to the Wall Street Journal Online, Frommer’s Travel Guides and airline websites.

Look for more pricing options in the future to meet the different needs of travelers, including the convenience of purchasing Gogo access in advance, when ticketing a flight.

“The hope is we always keep it just like you’re working in the office,” says Lemond.

Or, with Gogo Video, it could be just like sitting in your living room.