Beedie alumni put applications in spotlight with AppTV

Apr 08, 2011


Innovative new weekly digest to feature the useful and the fun from the world of apps

VANCOUVER– Two alumni from Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business — Maryam Mehrtash (BBA ’06) and Andy Baryer (MBA ’08) — are leading an effort to bring mobile applications to the living rooms of television viewers across Canada.

Mehrtash — an expert in social media, marketing and entertainment — will host the program along with Mike Agerbo. Baryer — who is also seen across BC regularly as a guest technology expert on Global Television — will serve as contributing host.

The weekly AppsTV will be a fast paced 30-minute ride through the world of apps – and help viewers pick the right apps to make the most of their smartphones, tablets, cars, TVs and more.

AppTV intends to go beyond the most commonly used apps, like Facebook and GPS apps, to delve into “the surprising variety of applications designed to help users go green, find the best deals, manage their money, keep mentally sharp and physically healthy and even stay groovy.”

“Apps have exploded,” said Mehrtash. “They’re everywhere – Canada has the highest penetration of smartphones in the world and is the fourth largest market on Facebook. There were 17 million tablets sold worldwide and sales are expected to increase more than 400% by 2012. Our mission is to test the numerous apps produced each day and inform audiences on which ones are fun and useful and which ones not to waste time or money on.”

Highlights of each episode will include:

HOT FIVE – A countdown of the top apps in a different category each week.

APP FEATURE – The inside scoop on the most popular apps and how to use them.

TIPS & TRICKS – A quick and easy tutorial on how to use short-cuts and suggestions on various smartphones.

AppTV will also delve into how apps are made with special guest interviews. Episodes are scheduled to air on CHEK TV and SUN TV. The program is produced by Blink Media Words in partnership with TELUS.

For more information on the show please visit www.apptvonline.com