Story

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Magycal OTT now available on TV operators
December, 2023

Magycal OTT now available on TV operators

Our Magycal OTT was already available on 10+ platforms, but now even more users can enjoy this game-changing product thanks to our recent integration with TV Operators. Our products are now supported in all three main Portuguese TV Operators (MEO, NOS, and Vodafone), be it custom apps on their STB’s or sign-in options via their accounts.

Magycal’s Award-Winning OTT rebranded
October, 2023

Magycal’s Award-Winning OTT rebranded

SPORT TV celebrated 25 years by rebranding their image, and Magycal was once again responsible for creating a compelling, coherent and outstanding design and user experience on all digital platforms, which will serve as a standard on the sports OTT landscape for years to come.

CNN Car Apps have a Magycal launch
October, 2023

CNN Car Apps have a Magycal launch

CNN app users can now have a seamless experience with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as they can continue listening to their favourite shows and podcasts on the road, all thanks to the CNN app’s ability to sync preferences, bookmarks and recent listening shows.

IBC2023 Innovation Awards Finalist
September, 2023

IBC2023 Innovation Awards Finalist

Magycal was recognised at the IBC Innovation Awards on the Content Everywhere category, for the creative and innovative features developed for the SPORT TV Digital Hub. SPORT TV was one of the shortlisted companies together with KAN Israel, Sky Sports F1 and TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport).

Asia is Magycal
July, 2023

Asia is Magycal

Our new partnership with Medianet positions us in a new continent! We are working together to deliver some groundbreaking digital experiences to their audience!

Madeira is Magycal
May, 2023

Madeira is Magycal

After 10+ years of hard work, we took a break and went on a Magycal team building trip to Madeira!

Best User Experience Award
November, 2022

Best User Experience Award

SPORT TV DIGITAL HUB wins the first international prize for a Portuguese OTT at SportsPro OTT Awards 2022!

New CNN Portugal app is launched to public acclaim
November, 2022

New CNN Portugal app is launched to public acclaim

A new version of the leading news app in Portugal, CNN Portugal, is relaunched, containing a personalised newsfeed, segmented notifications, trending videos, and the latest opinions and articles.

Magycal redesigns OPTO
October, 2022

Magycal redesigns OPTO

A personalised and cutting edge OTT is launched. Ten platforms. Thousands of hours of content. Millions of hours watched. Something that only Magycal could do.

Best Media and Entertainment Project of the Year
October, 2022

Best Media and Entertainment Project of the Year

SPORT TV wins the ACEPI Navegantes XXI awards for the Best Media and Entertainment Project of 2022.

The new Formula 1 season takes off at blazing speeds in the SPORT TV digital hub
March, 2022

The new Formula 1 season takes off at blazing speeds in the SPORT TV digital hub

To complement the viewer experience during the new Formula 1 season, Magycal introduced a new Formula 1 section in the SPORT TV digital hub, providing detailed information about every Grand Prix with trending videos, polls, live results, and more.

Revolutionising kid’s entertainment
January, 2022

Revolutionising kid’s entertainment

The younger generations can now experience their favourite video content powered by Magycal OTT. Panda+

The biggest number of votes in TVI’s history
March, 2021

The biggest number of votes in TVI’s history

With our technology, the TVI channel achieves the biggest number of votes in its history.

Magycal & SPORT TV launch new apps for Apple TV and Android TV
January, 2021

Magycal & SPORT TV launch new apps for Apple TV and Android TV

We’ve launched new Apps for Android TV and Apple TV. Now, sports fans can enjoy a fully digital experience by using innovative features like live smart info or facial recognition.

Begins a partnership where creativity and innovation have no limits.
December, 2020

Begins a partnership where creativity and innovation have no limits.

Magycal and Kaltura join to deliver highly engaging OTT experiences.

Reinforcing the security of our content
September, 2020

Reinforcing the security of our content

Content protection is one of the biggest concerns of our clients. Thanks to this partnership with Wowza, we can provide an engaging, interactive and secure environment — whether users are watching live or video on demand (VOD) content.

It’s MAGYCAL
July, 2020

It’s MAGYCAL

Viva Superstars becomes MAGYCAL. After the first exciting and successful eight years we needed a new brand identity fully inline with our current strategy and future international expansion.

A Legendary Show Becomes a Digital Sensation
April, 2020

A Legendary Show Becomes a Digital Sensation

The TV show that revolutionised the industry is back after 20 years. Featuring our latest interactive and monetising tools it becomes one of the biggest success cases of digital transformation of a television show.

Facial Recognition Meets Live Sports
January, 2020

Facial Recognition Meets Live Sports

SMART INFO comes alive on the SPORT TV DIGITAL HUB, providing intelligent notifications based on the real time analysis of the players’ faces during live broadcasts.

APDC Digital Business Congress
November, 2019

APDC Digital Business Congress

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) is invited to present its success story at the APDC Digital Business Congress, one of Portugal’s key annual events in the area.

App of the Year
October, 2019

App of the Year

SPORT TV DIGITAL HUB wins the prestigious ACEPI Navegantes award for the best app of 2019 in the sports and culture category.

August, 2019

The Golden Age of Television Has Arrived

Launch of the most innovative and engaging OTT on the market, the SPORT TV DIGITAL HUB. Developed for the leading Portuguese sports TV network, featuring groundbreaking innovations like AI-based live contextual notifications and personalised calls for action on key moments of a user’s favourite matches.

IT Consulting Part II
March, 2019

IT Consulting Part II

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) becomes the strategic technical partner of Media Capital Digital, responsible for the development of all its mobile applications.

Bringing Engagement and Monetisation to Live Video Streaming
January, 2019

Bringing Engagement and Monetisation to Live Video Streaming

Kick-off of LIA, Live Intelligent Agent, a joint project by Viva Superstars (now Magycal) and Media Capital Digital, co-funded by Google Digital News Initiative.

Euronext Techshare Kickoff in Paris
September, 2018

Euronext Techshare Kickoff in Paris

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) is selected by Euronext for its Techshare program for European companies with high growth potential.

June, 2018

Stepping Up to the Podium

The Podium app brings a new kind of entertainment for football fans appealing to both casual and hardcore users, featuring predictions, fantasy league, social competition, and rewards. It was developed for Sport TV, the leading Portuguese Sports TV Station, as the companion app for their premium football content.

AI Powering Audience Engagement
February, 2018

AI Powering Audience Engagement

In the new Secret Story 7 app artificial intelligence technology is used to revolutionise how viewers engage with the TV show, with outstanding results.

IT Consulting Part I
May, 2017

IT Consulting Part I

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) becomes the strategic technical partner of IOL Negócios, a pioneer company in the Portuguese Internet arena.

It’s Time For Talent Shows
February, 2017

It’s Time For Talent Shows

Crowd sourced content, social listening features, and exclusive tools for star users, turn this new talent show format into a thrilling sandbox of innovative user experiences.

Web Summit 1.0
November, 2016

Web Summit 1.0

Lisbon welcomes Web Summit for the first time and Viva Superstars (now Magycal) is selected by the organisation to showcase at the event.

The First Rebranding
October, 2016

The First Rebranding

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) unveils their first rebranding with a totally different brand identity fully adapted to our vision and business at the time.

Reality Shows Come Alive
September, 2016

Reality Shows Come Alive

Secret Story 6, one of the top reality shows in Europe, becomes a tremendous success on digital platforms thanks to innovative ways of engaging, retaining and monetising the audience.

Live Events and Reality Shows Go Interactive
April, 2016

Live Events and Reality Shows Go Interactive

The famous Portuguese singer Agir gives a memorable interactive live performance with a large audience over the Internet, powered by Viva Superstars (now Magycal) and Best Seat Music. At the same time, Viva Superstars partners with TVI and Endemol to create the most interactive reality show ever.

The Ultimate Fan Experience
March, 2016

The Ultimate Fan Experience

Viva Ronaldo’s winner, a Ronaldo fan from Azerbaijan, officially meets and greets Cristiano in Leiria, Portugal.

May, 2015

Talk Shows Reinvented

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) lays the foundations of its television revolution by creating a new and captivating TV watching experience for Portugal’s leading talk show.

Building a Dream Team
December, 2014

Building a Dream Team

On December 24th we hired our first non-founder employee, Diogo Cordeiro, who had just finalised his MSc in Computer Science at FCT NOVA. The date itself was promising and our first hiring grew up with us to become an incredible professional, always seeking excellence and fully dedicated and inline with our company goals.

Viva Ronaldo Official Launch
December, 2013

Viva Ronaldo Official Launch

Viva Ronaldo is officially presented and gets worldwide media exposure.

June, 2013

Viva Ronaldo Is On

Viva Ronaldo is soft-launched with limited market exposure for an international audience.

The Foundation
September, 2012

The Foundation

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) is officially founded in Lisbon.

First steps
September, 2011

First steps

Viva Ronaldo’s design and planning starts at Starbucks Belém in Lisbon. It would last several months fuelled by many cappuccinos, frappucinnos and choco muffins.

So it begins
June, 2011

So it begins

Eduardo and Pedro brainstorm on how to take Cristiano Ronaldo’s powerful digital presence beyond social networks.

2023
Dec 01

Magycal OTT now available on TV operators

Magycal OTT now available on TV operators

Our Magycal OTT was already available on 10+ platforms, but now even more users can enjoy this game-changing product thanks to our recent integration with TV Operators. Our products are now supported in all three main Portuguese TV Operators (MEO, NOS, and Vodafone), be it custom apps on their STB’s…

Oct 20

Magycal’s Award-Winning OTT rebranded

Magycal’s Award-Winning OTT rebranded

SPORT TV celebrated 25 years by rebranding their image, and Magycal was once again responsible for creating a compelling, coherent and outstanding design and user experience on all digital platforms, which will serve as a standard on the sports OTT landscape for years to come.

Oct 01

CNN Car Apps have a Magycal launch

CNN Car Apps have a Magycal launch

CNN app users can now have a seamless experience with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as they can continue listening to their favourite shows and podcasts on the road, all thanks to the CNN app’s ability to sync preferences, bookmarks and recent listening shows.

Sep 15

IBC2023 Innovation Awards Finalist

IBC2023 Innovation Awards Finalist

Magycal was recognised at the IBC Innovation Awards on the Content Everywhere category, for the creative and innovative features developed for the SPORT TV Digital Hub. SPORT TV was one of the shortlisted companies together with KAN Israel, Sky Sports F1 and TNT Sports (formerly BT Sport).

Jul 15

Asia is Magycal

Asia is Magycal

Our new partnership with Medianet positions us in a new continent! We are working together to deliver some groundbreaking digital experiences to their audience!

May 01

Madeira is Magycal

Madeira is Magycal

After 10+ years of hard work, we took a break and went on a Magycal team building trip to Madeira!

2022
Nov 30

Best User Experience Award

Best User Experience Award

SPORT TV DIGITAL HUB wins the first international prize for a Portuguese OTT at SportsPro OTT Awards 2022!

Nov 01

New CNN Portugal app is launched to public acclaim

New CNN Portugal app is launched to public acclaim

A new version of the leading news app in Portugal, CNN Portugal, is relaunched, containing a personalised newsfeed, segmented notifications, trending videos, and the latest opinions and articles.

Oct 01

Magycal redesigns OPTO

Magycal redesigns OPTO

A personalised and cutting edge OTT is launched. Ten platforms. Thousands of hours of content. Millions of hours watched. Something that only Magycal could do.

Oct 01

Best Media and Entertainment Project of the Year

Best Media and Entertainment Project of the Year

SPORT TV wins the ACEPI Navegantes XXI awards for the Best Media and Entertainment Project of 2022.

Mar 01

The new Formula 1 season takes off at blazing speeds in the SPORT TV digital hub

The new Formula 1 season takes off at blazing speeds in the SPORT TV digital hub

To complement the viewer experience during the new Formula 1 season, Magycal introduced a new Formula 1 section in the SPORT TV digital hub, providing detailed information about every Grand Prix with trending videos, polls, live results, and more.

Jan 03

Revolutionising kid’s entertainment

Revolutionising kid’s entertainment

The younger generations can now experience their favourite video content powered by Magycal OTT. Panda+

2021
Mar 01

The biggest number of votes in TVI’s history

The biggest number of votes in TVI’s history

With our technology, the TVI channel achieves the biggest number of votes in its history.

Jan 01

Magycal & SPORT TV launch new apps for Apple TV and Android TV

Magycal & SPORT TV launch new apps for Apple TV and Android TV

We’ve launched new Apps for Android TV and Apple TV. Now, sports fans can enjoy a fully digital experience by using innovative features like live smart info or facial recognition.

2020
Dec 01

Begins a partnership where creativity and innovation have no limits.

Begins a partnership where creativity and innovation have no limits.

Magycal and Kaltura join to deliver highly engaging OTT experiences.

Sep 01

Reinforcing the security of our content

Reinforcing the security of our content

Content protection is one of the biggest concerns of our clients. Thanks to this partnership with Wowza, we can provide an engaging, interactive and secure environment — whether users are watching live or video on demand (VOD) content.

Jul 01

It’s MAGYCAL

It’s MAGYCAL

Viva Superstars becomes MAGYCAL. After the first exciting and successful eight years we needed a new brand identity fully inline with our current strategy and future international expansion.

Apr 01

A Legendary Show Becomes a Digital Sensation

A Legendary Show Becomes a Digital Sensation

The TV show that revolutionised the industry is back after 20 years. Featuring our latest interactive and monetising tools it becomes one of the biggest success cases of digital transformation of a television show.

Jan 01

Facial Recognition Meets Live Sports

Facial Recognition Meets Live Sports

SMART INFO comes alive on the SPORT TV DIGITAL HUB, providing intelligent notifications based on the real time analysis of the players’ faces during live broadcasts.

2019
Nov 01

APDC Digital Business Congress

APDC Digital Business Congress

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) is invited to present its success story at the APDC Digital Business Congress, one of Portugal’s key annual events in the area.

Oct 01

App of the Year

App of the Year

SPORT TV DIGITAL HUB wins the prestigious ACEPI Navegantes award for the best app of 2019 in the sports and culture category.

Aug 01

The Golden Age of Television Has Arrived

Launch of the most innovative and engaging OTT on the market, the SPORT TV DIGITAL HUB. Developed for the leading Portuguese sports TV network, featuring groundbreaking innovations like AI-based live contextual notifications and personalised calls for action on key moments of a user’s favourite matches.

Mar 01

IT Consulting Part II

IT Consulting Part II

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) becomes the strategic technical partner of Media Capital Digital, responsible for the development of all its mobile applications.

Jan 01

Bringing Engagement and Monetisation to Live Video Streaming

Bringing Engagement and Monetisation to Live Video Streaming

Kick-off of LIA, Live Intelligent Agent, a joint project by Viva Superstars (now Magycal) and Media Capital Digital, co-funded by Google Digital News Initiative.

2018
Sep 01

Euronext Techshare Kickoff in Paris

Euronext Techshare Kickoff in Paris

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) is selected by Euronext for its Techshare program for European companies with high growth potential.

Jun 01

Stepping Up to the Podium

The Podium app brings a new kind of entertainment for football fans appealing to both casual and hardcore users, featuring predictions, fantasy league, social competition, and rewards. It was developed for Sport TV, the leading Portuguese Sports TV Station, as the companion app for their premium football content.

Feb 01

AI Powering Audience Engagement

AI Powering Audience Engagement

In the new Secret Story 7 app artificial intelligence technology is used to revolutionise how viewers engage with the TV show, with outstanding results.

2017
May 01

IT Consulting Part I

IT Consulting Part I

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) becomes the strategic technical partner of IOL Negócios, a pioneer company in the Portuguese Internet arena.

Feb 01

It’s Time For Talent Shows

It’s Time For Talent Shows

Crowd sourced content, social listening features, and exclusive tools for star users, turn this new talent show format into a thrilling sandbox of innovative user experiences.

2016
Nov 01

Web Summit 1.0

Web Summit 1.0

Lisbon welcomes Web Summit for the first time and Viva Superstars (now Magycal) is selected by the organisation to showcase at the event.

Oct 01

The First Rebranding

The First Rebranding

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) unveils their first rebranding with a totally different brand identity fully adapted to our vision and business at the time.

Sep 01

Reality Shows Come Alive

Reality Shows Come Alive

Secret Story 6, one of the top reality shows in Europe, becomes a tremendous success on digital platforms thanks to innovative ways of engaging, retaining and monetising the audience.

Apr 01

Live Events and Reality Shows Go Interactive

Live Events and Reality Shows Go Interactive

The famous Portuguese singer Agir gives a memorable interactive live performance with a large audience over the Internet, powered by Viva Superstars (now Magycal) and Best Seat Music. At the same time, Viva Superstars partners with TVI and Endemol to create the most interactive reality show ever.

Mar 01

The Ultimate Fan Experience

The Ultimate Fan Experience

Viva Ronaldo’s winner, a Ronaldo fan from Azerbaijan, officially meets and greets Cristiano in Leiria, Portugal.

2015
May 01

Talk Shows Reinvented

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) lays the foundations of its television revolution by creating a new and captivating TV watching experience for Portugal’s leading talk show.

2014
Dec 24

Building a Dream Team

Building a Dream Team

On December 24th we hired our first non-founder employee, Diogo Cordeiro, who had just finalised his MSc in Computer Science at FCT NOVA. The date itself was promising and our first hiring grew up with us to become an incredible professional, always seeking excellence and fully dedicated and inline with…

2013
Dec 01

Viva Ronaldo Official Launch

Viva Ronaldo Official Launch

Viva Ronaldo is officially presented and gets worldwide media exposure.

Jun 01

Viva Ronaldo Is On

Viva Ronaldo is soft-launched with limited market exposure for an international audience.

2012
Sep 28

The Foundation

The Foundation

Viva Superstars (now Magycal) is officially founded in Lisbon.

2011
Sep 01

First steps

First steps

Viva Ronaldo’s design and planning starts at Starbucks Belém in Lisbon. It would last several months fuelled by many cappuccinos, frappucinnos and choco muffins.

Jun 01

So it begins

So it begins

Eduardo and Pedro brainstorm on how to take Cristiano Ronaldo’s powerful digital presence beyond social networks.