Sling Media SlingPlayer Mobile for Android Available June 22nd

Sling Media's SlingPlayer Mobile has been one of the most anticipated applications for the Android platform since it first broke cover that it would be coming to the mobile Operating System. And our expectations only grew when we got some hands-on time with the application, which we covered as extensively as we could right here. And, tonight we're happy to finally have something tangible to tell you about that upcoming release date. And yes, it's tomorrow, June 22nd.

We consider this to be one of those "pleasant surprises" that people always talk about. SlingPlayer Mobile is designed to bring the same controls and full feature set-up that you would find on your set-top box. Basically, you'll be able to access all of your favorite television shows, right from your handset. You'll be able to do all of that, as long as you're connected to a SlingBox SOLO, PRO, or PRO-HD, and have some kind of cellular signal (whether that be 3G or 4G), or access to a WiFi network. You'll be able to watch live or recorded TV right from your Android handset, and you'll also be able to schedule recordings.

"We're committed to the Android platform, and users of our new and improved SlingPlayer Mobile application will experience one of the most complete mobile television experiences available today," said John Gilmore, Sling Media Senior Vice President and General Manager. "Now the full spectrum of viewing, including local channels and sports teams, video on demand, pay per view and even control of their home DVR, is available to the growing number of people moving to Android."

You'll be able to make use of the touchscreen control scheme easily, as well as take advantage of the faster startup and control response times. But, the big question is, how much does it cost? You'll be able to download the Sling Media SlingPlayer Mobile application from the Android Marketplace starting June 22nd, and it will cost you a cool $29.99. So, starting tomorrow, we expect you back here to tell us how your SlingPlayer Mobile app is working. Don't forget! In the mean time though, check out our hands-on video just below, to get you ready for you downloading craziness tomorrow.

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Press Release:

Sling Media Launches SlingPlayer Mobile for Android Smartphones

Application now delivers your home TV experience to Android phones anywhere you have mobile phone access

Foster City, Calif., – June 22, 2010 – Sling Media, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), announced today the availability of its SlingPlayer Mobile™ application for Android™ Smartphones. The all new application gives Android phone users easy access to their home TV experience anywhere they have mobile phone or Wi-Fi internet access. Now anyone with an Android phone never has to miss a favorite TV show when they're away from home.

"We're committed to the Android platform, and users of our new and improved SlingPlayer Mobile application will experience one of the most complete mobile television experiences available today," said John Gilmore, Sling Media Senior Vice President and General Manager. "Now the full spectrum of viewing, including local channels and sports teams, video on demand, pay per view and even control of their home DVR, is available to the growing number of people moving to Android."

How it Works

When in your mobile phone provider's area of 3G, 4G or Wi-Fi coverage and connected to a Slingbox® SOLO, PRO or PRO-HD, SlingPlayer Mobile makes it simple to watch and control your living room television at any time from any location. Watch live and recorded TV and schedule recordings of new programs from any Android Smartphone.

SlingPlayer Mobile for Android features faster startup and control response times, and it works among a variety of Android-based mobile phones in the market today.  It also has a new user interface that gives quick-touch access to the most critical remote controls and recently viewed channels.

Current Pricing and Availability

SlingPlayer Mobile Android is available now for download for $29.99* in the Android Market in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States.

*Price is in U.S. dollars. U.S. dollar to local currency exchange will be carried out at purchase via the customer's bank or credit card provider. Pricing and availability subject to local laws.

Visit http://www.slingbox.com/go/android for more information.

About Sling Media, Inc.

Sling Media, Inc., an affiliate of EchoStar Technologies L.L.C., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of EchoStar Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS), is the leading provider of video placeshifting products and services for consumers and television service providers. Sling Media's product family includes the internationally acclaimed, Emmy award-winning Slingbox™ that allows consumers to watch and control their living room television shows at any time, from any location, using internet-connected PCs, Macs, PDAs and smartphones. For more information, visit www.slingmedia.com.