Bingers has launched as a new television and movie-tracking app from Antonio Pinto, one of the original founders of TV Time. The service is intended to replace several of TV Time’s most popular features after Whip Media closed the app on July 15 to focus on its enterprise AI business.
TV Time had recorded more than 26.4 million lifetime installations before its closure. More than 28,000 users signed a petition asking Whip Media to retain the service through subscriptions, crowdfunding or another funding model, but the shutdown proceeded as planned.
Bingers Restores TV Time’s Social Features
Bingers allows users to track television programmes and films they have watched or plan to watch. It also includes discovery tools and a social section where fans can discuss individual episodes and films.
Users can create profiles, publish comments and add photos or GIFs to discussions. They can also rate episodes, respond with emojis and vote for their favourite characters.
Pinto said TV Time’s community remained active even after the app received few updates. He viewed that continued activity as evidence that users valued having a dedicated place to discuss programmes with other viewers.
The company outlines Bingers’ development and its connection to TV Time in an official history page. Pinto said the new app includes updated versions of TV Time’s watchlist, release calendar, community reactions, profiles and rewatch tracking.
Users Can Import Their TV Time History
Before closing, TV Time provided users with a GDPR-compliant export containing their account and viewing data. Bingers allows former users to upload that archive through its import tool, preserving their watch history instead of requiring them to rebuild their libraries manually.
Bingers stores much of each user’s library directly on their phone. Pinto said this design moves tasks such as loading calendars and watchlists away from company servers, reducing infrastructure costs and helping the app remain responsive during busy periods.
The approach also addresses some of the financial pressures that contributed to TV Time’s closure. Whip Media said operating the former service as a free app was no longer sustainable and that demand for a paid version was insufficient.
User Contributions Will Initially Fund Operations
Bingers will initially allow users to contribute money towards its server and operating costs. Pinto said the model reflects requests made by TV Time users who had offered to support the previous app financially.
The company may later introduce a business model based on bringing users together for in-person experiences. Further details about those plans have not been disclosed.
Bingers is available for tracking, discovery and community discussion, with its launch first reported by TechCrunch.
Featured image credits: D.Reichardt via Flickr
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