After launching the service in beta format early in September, Verizon has now made the service publicly available to users of iOS and Android.
The service, which aims to capture users that belong to the younger demographic, will be competing directly against rivals such as Dish and its Sling TV service offer, as well as Comcast and its two offered services, the Internet-based Stream TV and the newly launched Watchable video app.
What sets the go90 service apart is its sole availability on mobile devices, Android and iOS, as opposed to making it available on connected TVs, desktop or streaming media players through apps. One advantage seen in this approach is the opportunity of generating revenue from the users' data usage on their mobile devices.
While the app is now available to users, customers or non-customers alike, Verizon said that it is particularly designed to attract users aged 18 to 34. The company observed that the vast majority of the people from this group, around 70 percent, watch videos through their mobile devices.
This particular focus on mobile device users is the inspiration behind the name "go90." The name reflects the way users would normally flip their phones from vertical to horizontal in a 90 degree movement.
Previously, we reported that go90 will be partnering with big names such as Discovery Communications, Vice Media Viacom, Awesomeness TV, Scripps Networks Interactive and ESPN. Upon launching the service, the lineup has been expanded to also include partnerships with AOL/HuffPo, Legendary, DEFY, EliteDaily, Machinima, Collective Digital, Stylehaul, Fullscreen, Maker Studios, Tastemade, Vice, Viacom, Univision, New Form Digital, Investigation Discovery, BET, HGTV, Adult Swim, TLC, SPIKE MTV, VH1, One World Sports, NFL Network, Food Network and Comedy Central.
Another interesting is the app's built-in social media element where users can share their favorite videos through popular social media network sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Users can also follow their friends to know what type of videos they have viewed. Other features include the abilities to follow profiles of one's favorite celebrities and favorite food or prank channels and join special interest groups through the app by using "crews."
All in all, go90 is launching with a massive 8,000 titles and more than 35 exclusive original series. Verizon will double the numbers towards the end of the year. At present, go90's catalog is made up of 15 out of the 30 most-viewed network shows and also nine out of the 15 most-viewed web-based shows.
