Panasonic’s enhanced cloud-based internet service VIERA Connect is set to add several new applications to further add to its appeal and expand its IPTV services. VIERA Connect allows users to enjoy a range of other services, such as sports, health & fitness activities, interactive games, and a variety of other contents in addition to the standard movies and television programmes on a high-quality large-screen TV through the simple operation of a remote control.

One of the new free services available is the award-winning BBC News app - bringing up-to-the-minute news via video and text from the corporation’s news channel and website to living room TV screens. Navigated by the remote control, viewers can access a full range of trusted news content 24 hours a day.

Today will also see the launch of the VIERA Connect Market which enables end users to purchase applications and accessories directly from their TV. At the beginning a selection of games will be available to purchase as well as some games accessories such as Joysticks. Many more applications will be added later and will increase the choice of applications alongside the multitude of free applications already available.

On top of those two additions, new free applications will also be available. The first one is Aupeo!, an online music streaming service. Aupeo! Personal Radio is a provider of personalised audio streams for internet capable devices which offers radio stations that compile individual music programs for users.

Another new service is CNBC news. This application allows viewers to access contents from CNBC TV and gives latest business and financial news as well as Live Market data.

The addition of these new services joins a wealth of additional applications already offered by VIERA Connect, including BBC iPlayer, Acetrax, Ustream, Picasa, Facebook, Skype and Twitter to name but a few. These new services are now available on Panasonic’s 2011 line-up of VIERA TVs.