PPTV launch device to connect mobile devices to TV

China's P2P streaming video platform, PPTV, announced the launch of PPlink, a product that brings the contents of mobile devices to the largest screens in living rooms.

"The product offers the easiest way for people to enjoy online videos on television. It is designed to give people the opportunity to enjoy high-definition videos on bigger screens," Shan Xiaolei, PPTV vice-president and general manager of the multi-terminal business department with PPTV Online TV, said at the launch ceremony in Beijing on Tuesday.

Contents such as photos, downloaded videos and online videos in small-screen devices, including iPhones and iPads, can be shown to big-screen devices to watch as soon as people insert the memory-stick, PPlink, into TVs. Once connected, the mobile devices can be used as remote controls for TVs.

PPlink is the second hardware device launched by PPTV, a leading online video provider in China. The Shanghai-based company launched its first device, which is an Internet-enabled set-top box PPBOX, in May.

Shan emphasized that PPTV had no plan to become a hardware producer but it is important for the company to take action in order to take the lead in the "multi-screen era".

With people moving from offices to homes, the devices they use often change from personal computers to TVs or mobile phones, according to Shan.

"The bigger the screen, the more time people spend on it," said Shan, adding it is important for the company to make multi-screen their strategy.

PPlink is priced at 199 yuan ($32.5) and is open to order for PPTV's registered users. The product will be officially on sale at 11 am on Friday.