RDK Management, the outfit that manages the Comcast-driven RDK open source initiative, has unveiled a new app programme that it says will make it easier to develop and launch apps consistently across RDK-based set-top boxes.

The two-pronged programme gives service providers the option to use a versatile new RDK App Framework to build and manage their own solutions, or choose a RDK pre-integrated app store solution such as the Metrological App Store, according to RDK Management.

The new RDK App Framework allows service providers to integrate apps into the TV viewing experience, provides onboarding and life cycle management tools, and enables app portability across various set-top box models.

According to the group, application developers and service providers can now create HTML5 and native applications on set-top boxes using the new RDK App Framework and RDK Firebolt App SDK.

Driven by the RDK open source community, with key contributions from Metrological, this provides a complete development, build, and test environment for Web and native apps across RDK-based set-top boxes and gives service providers a common technical framework to support native premium video apps, such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, along with a variety of niche or third-party HTML5 apps, according to RDK Management. Technical details are available here.

For service providers seeking a turnkey solution, Metrological’s App store has been named as the first RDK pre-integrated app store. This includes access to a library of over 300 apps and can be used to launch premium video apps such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video; local and regionalized apps.

RDK Management has also partnered with Metrological and set-top provider Arris to provide a new support tool and IP set-top reference integration that allows operators to expedite application development, testing, and ultimately service deployment. Application developers and service providers can now utilize an IP set-top box powered by RDK software and pre-loaded with the Metrological App store, according to RDK Management

“Today marks a significant milestone in the history of the RDK. Since inception, the RDK community focused on bringing transparency and standardization to certain technical functions of video set-top boxes and broadband gateways, enabling service providers to focus on their consumer-facing applications and UIs. Thanks to the RDK community, this new open source RDK App Framework will make it even easier for service providers to develop, launch, and manage apps in a consistent way across RDK set-top boxes. To be clear, RDK Management is not in the ‘app business’ itself, but rather ‘app enablement’ with our partners,” said Steve Heeb, president and general manager of RDK Management.

Read the full article on Digital TV Europe.