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Comcast's Xfinity app debuts on Blackberry, updated on iOS
It may not have live TV streaming yet, but Comcast has been at the forefront of expanding the cable TV experience to phones and tablets with its Xfinity app and pushed further recently, updating the iOS version and releasing an edition for Blackberry phones. On Blackberry it brings the usual set of features, including Comcast.net email access, remote DVR scheduling and trailers for VOD selections. On iOS, v1.60 adds a "previously played" button that can return the TV to previously watched channels, or start playing VOD content on the mobile devices right where you last left off. Check the official blog for more details or just download from iTunes or Blackberry App World.
Comcast Xfinity TV app updated for Honeycomb Android tablets, Gingerbread phones and on iOS
Comcast's Xfinity TV app made its tablet debut on the iPad last year and now it's finally ready for Android tablets too. The most recent update on the Android market adds a Honeycomb version with remote control and video on-demand browsing seen above (only officially certified for the Xoom, but it should work on others as well) -- but not Play Now streaming, yet -- and also should fix the app on phones running Gingerbread. iOS users haven't been completely left out, as a minor bump has been issued that should fix a few technical issues on those platforms too. The free apps are available at the source links below, choose your preferred flavor and download away.
Comcast Cable Show 2011 demo features 1Gbps cable modem speeds, new Xfinity TV UI
As promised, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts treated Cable Show 2011 attendees to a quick demo of the company's latest and greatest tech earlier today. The presentation consisted of the new Xfinity TV platform with all its cloud processing and internet content from Facebook and others, as well as a speed test running on a Comcast cable modem that broke through the 1Gbps speed barrier on the production network. There's no word on when home users might see such speeds but the company promised to "keep up the pace as the internet continues to evolve" -- let's hope that extends to the increasingly restrictive 250GB bandwidth cap. The demo of new DVR software also went off without a hitch, appearing to run smoothly and showing off a vision of "cloud processing" that speeds up search, personalization and recommendations in the program guide by handling them at the head end instead of on the box itself. We're still waiting to get our hands on the RF remote and see if the experience is just as smooth ourselves, but for now you can get a taste in the 17 minute video embedded above.
Comcast to show off new Xfinity TV guide with Facebook tie-ins, Intel CPU Thursday (video)
Thanks to one of our readers getting an early install, we've already dug deep into Comcast's next generation Xfinity TV DVR, but on Thursday Brian Roberts will show it off in full (along with "new broadband speeds") at the 2011 NCTA Cable Show . According to the press release the new guide that blends internet content with TV broadcasts will include customizations and sharing tied to Facebook along with hardware built by Pace around an Intel CPU -- if anyone needs a suggestion for a service to add after Skype, we're thinking OnLive could be a good fit. The detail we're waiting to hear is when it will be upgrading the pitiful boxes currently available in our neck of the woods, but until then we have another tipster to thank for pointing out a cache of demo videos posted on the portal for initial testers in Georgia. The 17-minute compilation of walkthrough videos is embedded above, just try not to drool too hard over the HD formatted UI. [Thanks, Cypherstream]
Xfinity TV on your iPod, iPhone but Wi-Fi only
Version 1.5 of Comcast's Xfinity TV app for iPhone and iPod touch arrived on the App Store yesterday. The updated software allows Comcast customers to watch movies and TV shows on their iPhones or iPod touches while connected to any Wi-Fi network. Comcast added on-demand video streaming functionality to the Xfinity TV app for iPad in February. Since then, Comcast's library of streaming content has grown to include over 6,000 hours of video from 25 networks. The app, which also allows customers to remote control their DVRs and schedule recordings, has been downloaded more than 1.5 million times since it launched in November last year. The newly updated Xfinity app for iPhone and iPod touch expands the cable provider's goal to bring entertainment to practically any gadget with a screen -- televisions, personal computers, tablets and mobile devices. The launch of the highly-requested video streaming feature for Apple's mobile devices didn't come without a couple of glitches. Some users reported trouble launching the app after downloading the update. Comcast recommends customers delete any existing copies of Xfinity TV before installing version 1.5. And CNET's Christopher MacManus reported some difficulties playing videos for more than 15 seconds, but attributed the issue to the massive number of people poking around the new on-demand streaming features at the same time. Lastly, like its iPad counterpart, on-demand video is only available through a Wi-Fi connection -- 3G streaming or downloading for later offline viewing is not available with this release. On the bright side, unlike competitors Cablevision and Time Warner, Comcast allows its customers to stream videos on any Wi-Fi network, not just the one you have at home. So, whether you're curled up in bed or sipping a coffee at your neighborhood Starbucks, you can still catch up on the latest comedy stylings of Conan O'Brien or squeeze in an episode of Seinfeld using your iPhone (3G, 3GS or 4) or iPod touch (2nd, 3rd or 4th generation) running iOS 4. [via Engadget]
Comcast brings Xfinity TV VOD to iPhone, iPod Touch, but only on WiFi
Comcast rolled out a v1.5 update today for the iPhone / iPod Touch versions of its Xfinity TV app which allows them to access the video on-demand streaming that has been available on the iPad since February. Just like the iPad however, they'll only work over WiFi -- no streaming over 3G or downloading for offline viewing here, although unlike Cablevision and Time Warner's iPad apps, you don't have to be on your own WiFi for it to work. The slate of content has expanded to include 25 networks and over 6,000 hours of video, so for those confusing times when you're within reach of WiFi but can't get close to a TV, you can still queue up something for viewing. The official Twitter account advises a delete / reinstall for those having issues since upgrading, if you're a Comcast subscriber who hasn't already snagged the free app for its channel changing and remote DVR scheduling capabilities, you can do so at the link below. [Thanks, Nick & Colby]
DirecTV asks its customers what they like so much about Netflix, could launch competitor
Just like our friends at TiVo, DirecTV likes to poll its customers occasionally about possible new features and its latest one was all about Netflix. Several tipsters have indicated to us and ZatzNotFunny they were asked to evaluate a possible Netflix-like online subscription video service that DirecTV would offer in addition to their current satellite TV. While premium video channels circle the wagons around Starz Play and HBO Go -- this also puts an interesting spin on last week's "mistweet" about streaming video coming to DirecTV apps -- type services and a network owned by the cable companies has already launched a similar service called Vutopia, it's possible DirecTV could be the next big all you can eat streaming competitor. Check out ZNF for a few more screengrabs, but all we know for sure right now is we're not the only ones wondering what would it take to pull you away from Netflix? [Thanks, Mike & Patrick]
Comcast's Xfinity TV app gets UI tweaks, added VOD on iOS, tablet support on Android
Comcast's Xfinity TV remote control / VOD / DVR scheduling app for iPhone and iPad has just been updated with a minor tweak that adds indications for already scheduled recordings to the guide. This latest version (v1.3) also ups the minimum OS version to iOS 4 but promises unspecified additional VOD content for streaming in return. The recently released Android version still trails in features, but recent update (v1.0.2.002) added support for Samsung's Galaxy Tab among other changes. The official Twitter account mentions a version for Honeycomb is under development, so keep those Xooms and G-Slates ready.
Poll: Are you watching TV with/on a tablet?
Adding a tablet component to your TV service is all the rage among providers and set-top box manufacturers these days (Comcast, DirecTV, Dish, TiVo, Motorola, FiOS, Cablevision, Time Warner, Boxee just to name a few) but our question today is how many of our EHD readers are putting any of them to use. Check out the poll options below and find the one that fits you best, then tell us why in the comments below. Are all these iPad apps just a fad or is the tablet here to stay? %Poll-62573%
Cable iPad app roundup: Cablevision counts 50k downloads, Time Warner adds channels, Comcast increases VOD
For whatever reason, cable companies have fallen in love with extending their offerings to Apple's tablet, and as a result we have a glut of news centered around the devices from Cablevision, Time Warner Cable and Comcast. First up is Cablevision's Optimum app, despite upsetting a few sports networks it has passed 50,000 downloads from the App Store and as the press release (included after the break) notes, has been the #1 app in the Entertainment category since Sunday. The TWCable TV app also has good news, it's adding seven channels including Oxygen and Lifetime. While Comcast's Xfinity TV doesn't stream live TV like the other two here, it does have access to video on-demand and the company just announced it's added more viewing options bringing the total up to 4,500 hours of video available, up from 3,000 two months ago. More info is available at the source links, we're just wondering how many of you are actually dialing up any of this content on your iPads?
Comcast's Xfinity TV app for iOS updated with more streaming and customization
Comcast is back with what it's calling the third major release of its Xfinity TV app for iOS, and while the product team says it's added streaming content from IFC, Adult Swim, BBC and more the key upgrade is in customizations. It features a new favorites list that is most improved by its ability to sync with the XfinityTV website, a new channel keypad for quick changes when used as a remote and the ability to jump to specific dates in the TV listings. The iPhone version has also gotten a tweak, with the addition of a "flip through previous channels" feature previously restricted to the iPad version. Of course the next question is when we can expect these enhancements to filter over to the recently launched Android version, and also when Comcast is planning to follow Time Warner through the live channel streaming door, despite the loud protests of some of the TV networks against it.
Comcast releases Xfinity TV remote control app for Android devices
After debuting on the iPad and iPhone, Comcast has finally released its Xfinity TV app for Android. Right now it only supports basic features like remote controlling cable boxes, scheduling DVR recordings and searching the VOD library but other features like video streaming to the app and tuning to VOD on the TV will be add later, just like on iOS. Unfortunately right now it's optimized for phones, according to the notes it should work on tablets too but official support isn't ready yet. Features on their way to both platforms include recommendations and better filtering of watchlists and personalized TV listings. Other than having to turn our cable box off and on at first, we got it to work without a hitch, for now it's at least one more option to use a cool new device when you can't find the regular remote -- have you looked on top of the refrigerator?
Comcast CEO talks about the merger, 'cool new devices' like the iPad and why he doesn't fear Netflix
Now that the world has had a few weeks to get used to the new Comcast/NBC collabo (but not that ugly purple logo), CEO Brian Roberts talked to the Wall Street Journal about plans for the future, including his claim that Netflix is actually a good thing for his company. Roberts referred to Netflix as the new version of reruns, and explained his view that it raises the value of NBCUniversal's content while reiterating statements made earlier about lower-than-expected subscriber losses being tied more to the economy than anything else. Beyond the soft jabs, he discounted the possibility that Comcast might launch its own internet video service for non-cable subscribers, pushing the vision of adding internet video streaming options for existing customers and explaining how they'd "be able to use the devices that are cool and new, that they typically purchased themselves, to now control and interact with the device they also love, which is a brand new high def 3-D TV." Of course, it doesn't look like we're closer to choosing our own UI for browsing content, but with nicely designed apps for tablets, phones and connected TVs maybe the platform for future innovation he references has something for us to look forward to after all -- we'd consider new cable boxes that don't suck to be a good start.
Xfinity TV for iPad now streaming VOD for 'select networks' including HBO and Showtime (update: hands-on)
"A few weeks"? "Later this year"? Don't worry about Comcast's recent meddling with the fine print, Xfinity TV's latest update for the iPad allows you to "play movies and TV shows anywhere and anytime on your iPad using a Wi-Fi Internet connection." The deal is for select networks (aka not everyone's on board to start) including HBO, Starz, Showtime, and Cinemax. Version 1.1.1 is now available; we're downloading now and will let ya know exactly what we find. Update: We've taken it for a brief spin, and it looks like only ten networks are currently available, but there's still a hefty selection of content to choose from: BBC America, Cartoon Network, Cinemax, Starz Encore, HBO, MoviePlex, Showtime, Starz, TBS, and TNT. All are VOD only at the moment, but we hope that live streaming could theoretically be around the corner. Video starts streaming pretty quickly, and while quality probably won't be as good as your 1080p TV, it more than suffices for the iPad's 10-inch screen -- especially the HD stuff. Check it out in the gallery below! %Gallery-115530%
Comcast, Time Warner deal ensures TNT, TBS shows for VOD & live streaming
Comcast announced live streaming to its iPad and (upcoming) Android Xfinity TV apps was not far off last month, and now it's announced a new long term deal with Time Warner that brings more content to all of its TV Everywhere-related efforts. That means shows from TNT, TBS, CNN, HLN, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim on Xfinity TV.com, cable VOD and mobile apps and the addition of live streaming video later this year as part of a larger agreement between Time Warner and Comcast. The keen eyed will notice that window of "a few weeks" for the debut of live streaming to iPads has expanded to simply "later this year," let's hope this doesn't slip while the company focuses on other balls in the air like its purchase of NBC, a potential new set-top box interface and apps for Smart TVs.
Xfinity iPad app getting streaming update 'in the coming weeks,' Android app 'later this year'
An update for those of you rocking Comcast's Xfinity TV iPad app, patiently waiting for the availability of streaming On Demand content on Apple's tablet and the app itself on the billions of upcoming Android-powered tablets. When we first spotted the functionality during November's Web 2.0 Summit, we were told it was coming either "by the end of the year" or in "a couple of weeks." A quick glance at our Hunks of Kabletown calendar indicates we missed that goal, but a press blast today says we can expect the capability to "be available on the iPad in the coming weeks and which will enable the viewing of On Demand programming on the iPad." It's also adding live news and TV shows to the list of streaming content, so you won't be limited to archived On Demand programming. But that's not all! The Big C will "add the same functionality and content to Android powered devices later this year" as well as a less tablet-centric offering at XfinityTV.com right now, so you can change channels sans-remote with just about any device you want. Now, can you get on that Newton app, Comcast?
Comcast Xfinity remote for iPad does streaming video, we record some for you (video)
If you've got Comcast service and an iOS device, there's no reason you can't download the brand spanking new Xfinity TV DVR remote app right now, but it won't have the software's spiffiest feature -- direct-to-device streaming video. That's set to roll out in either "a couple of weeks" or "by the end of the year," depending on which Comcast representative you ask, and we got to try it for ourselves (along with the rest of the app) at the Web 2.0 Summit this week. Right now the featureset is fairly limited -- you just pick programs from a guide and either watch them, beam them to your TV, or tell your DVR to record -- but what is there was leagues more intuitive than a physical remote and about as responsive as we could hope for. Comcast tells us that Apple itself helped insure the user experience was polished, and it showed in every swipe and tap we made. Find out more and watch the app in action after the break!
Comcast Xfinity remote app for iPhone, iPad launches, video streaming & Android version on the way
The Xfinity remote app Comcast CEO Brian Roberts showed off earlier this year is now available in the app store for the iPad and iPhone. Currently they allow Comcast customers with compatible digital TV service to browse listings and On Demand content from their portable device and change channels right from the app. Video streaming, additional remote features and enhanced search are all promised for future releases, while other platforms should also get their own versions soon. Android apps are promised for later this year, with Blackberry to follow. For now, check out the press release and original demo video embedded after the break or grab the app from iTunes and break out your Comcast e-mail address to try it out prior to a live demo at 8:30 (EST) this evening at the Web 2.0 conference. It may not be the improved interface for our cable boxes we've been expecting for such a long time, but it's at least a step in that direction.%Gallery-107457%
Comcast adds Showtime to Xfinity TV online
Almost immediately after expanding its Xfinity TV online services by 150,000 titles, Comcast has announced with Showtime that over 400 hours of the channel's series and movies are now also available via the portal for paying Showtime subscribers. If you aren't keeping Dexter-like tabs on the we-offer-more-content-than-you cable playground banter, this partnership is a first for Showtime and a killer feature for Comcast. In fact, combined with their Starz, Encore, and older HBO and Cinemax online streaming deals, Xfinity TV will now also go down in the annals of history with another first as the only online destination to offer all of the major premium content providers under one cozy URL. As much as we're all for establishing records though, we'd still encourage Comcast to brainstorm on additional ways to keep paying customers -- that is, if it wants to avoid earning another title for losing the most subscribers two quarters in a row.
Comcast updates Xfinity TV with new search, My TV features & 150,000 titles streaming
Looks like Comcast has dropped the Fancast tag entirely, showing off a reworked Xfinity TV portal that ties content available for streaming to the PC a little more tightly alongside remote DVR scheduling and social media tie-ins with Facebook. Now claiming up to 150,000 titles are available for streaming online, it has an all new search function to better determine what's available and promises customized recommendations (think Netflix, TiVo) are on the way soon. Check out XfinityTV.com to see the new features, or just check out the press release after the break.
