• by Wayne Friedman , July 16, 2013

Looking to separate itself from other TV distributors, Dish Network is allowing third-parties to develop mobile apps for its Hopper set-top box.

The first to sign on is Thuuz Sports, which allows Dish customers to control their Hopper directly from Android or iPhone smartphones. Thuuz Sports uses real-time analytics to alert viewers to sporting events. Fans can customize the app based on their favorite teams and sports leagues.

Dish already has its own in-house apps on Hopper. The new decision allows outside developers to be included.

New app developers will be able to control the Hopper by changing channels, setting recordings and playing back DVR and on-demand shows. Dish already has a Dish Explorer mobile app, designed to replace a traditional remote control with a tablet-based device for its Hopper Whole-Home HD DVR set-top box.  

Vivek Khemka, senior vice president of product management for Dish, stated: “Dish already has its own suite of mobile apps designed to work with the Hopper, but we want to see what other experiences trusted partners might create if given the opportunity.”

He adds: “Dish wants to evolve the Hopper experience for customers and foster innovation among the developer community.”

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