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Amazon adds single sign-on across select Fire TV apps
Amazon teased single sign-in across apps when it launched its new 4K Fire TV last September. It's only now, though, that the company is making good on its promise. If you have a login from a cable TV provider that supports SSO authentication (like Dish, DirecTV, AT&T Uverse, Verizon FiOS and Cox Cablevision), you can sign in once and have access to a a ton of TV network apps. The new ability should roll out over the next several hours, according to an Amazon spokesperson.
ESPN and Verizon settle lawsuit over customizable FiOS TV plans
It's been more than a year since ESPN sued Verizon over Custom FiOS TV, a channel bundle that allows subscribers to make à la carte selections. But today, the companies announced they have settled their lawsuit, which was filed in New York's Supreme Court in 2015. Back then, ESPN argued that while it embraced "innovative ways to deliver high-quality content to consumers on multiple platforms," it simply wanted Verizon to abide by its terms of contracts. Verizon, on the other hand, denied any wrongdoing.
Verizon brings free movies and apps this Thanksgiving, even if you're not a customer
What do you call the day before Thanksgiving? It's usually just Wednesday, but Verizon wants November 26th this year to be known as a pseudo-holiday called "Connection Day." Yup, it is gimmicky, but at least we're getting free stuff out of it -- and who doesn't like free stuff, are we right? On November 26th, you can go to the official Connection Day page using a mobile device and grab a freebie, regardless of your carrier. These include free apps from Amazon, Audible downloads, access to movies and TV shows through Verizon FiOS Preview app, Conde Nast magazines, a Pandora trial period, airport and in-flight WiFi access, as well as an iTunes special offer (we've posted the detailed list after the break).
Verizon FiOS Mobile on Android and iOS can now stream live TV from anywhere
The shackles have been officially removed. If you're one of the many folks using FiOS Mobile on Android or iOS, then you're aware the app's live TV streaming feature has only worked while being connected to one's own home network. Beginning today, though, Verizon will allow FiOS TV subscribers to view real-time content even when away from their humble abode, via the FiOS Mobile Android and iOS applications. The number of networks supported is pretty short, with only nine being onboard at the moment -- this includes the Travel Channel, BBC America, BBC World News, EPIX, HGTV, DIY, Tennis Channel and, on the iPad, the NFL Network. But, as they say, you've got to start somewhere, and chances are this channel lineup will become more robust in the weeks ahead.
Verizon FiOS rolls out 500/100 Mbps broadband, its highest speed tier yet
The broadband speed wars continue to rage, and today, Verizon announced that it's throwing down with its fastest tier yet. With a download speed of 500 megabits per second (and an upload speed of 100Mbps), the leap forward marks the latest evolution of the company's fiber-optic Quantum Internet Service, which rolled out last summer. To put those numbers into perspective, you'll be able to download a 5GB HD movie in 1.4 minutes or upload a 100MB file in eight seconds, assuming you're operating at full speed. Verizon is hoping to gradually introduce its newest speed tier to all FiOS markets by 2014, with limited availability starting today. To hear what Big Red has to say about it, check out the video after the break.
Verizon FiOS Mobile arrives on Android, lets you watch live TV and video on demand
The iOS crowd has been able to enjoy Verizon's FiOS Mobile service for some time now, but now it's the Android faithful's turn to finally experience what they've been missing. The application, which is said to be compatible with "many of your favorite Android enabled devices," gives FiOS subscribers the ability to live stream (some) channels and have access to on-demand video content right from their smartphone or tablet. Not surprisingly, a TV subscription is a must, meaning that folks who are on an internet-only plan won't be able to enjoy what the app has to offer. Verizon FiOS Mobile is now up for grabs via Google Play, so hit that source link below and let us know in the comments if it was worth the wait.
Hacker allegedly leaks Verizon FiOS customer data, Big Red points the finger at marketing firm
Verizon customers saw a flash of excitement this weekend when an alleged hacker claimed to have pilfered personal data for some three million of its wireless customers. Twitter user TibitXimer shared 300,000 names from the file, claiming to have collected them as early as July 12th. According to Verizon, the would-be hacker's claims are bunk -- the leaked data has been available for months, and it's populated by Verizon FiOS customers. More importantly, Verizon says that its servers weren't hacked at all. "There was no hack, and no access gained," it said in a statement to The Next Web "A third party marketing firm made a mistake and information was copied." Verizon says the leak was reported to authorities months ago, and insists that recent claims are inaccurate and exaggerated. Sure enough, security researcher Adam Caudill recalls seeing the file back in August, guessing this is probably a file leaked from a telemarketing agency. Either way TibitXimer's account has vanished from the social network, demonstrating, if nothing else, that Twitter is serious about its Trust & Safety policies.
Xbox Live welcomes Vimeo and AOL On, boosts Verizon FiOS offering for Gold subscribers
A host of new Xbox Live apps came online for Gold subscribers today, including Vimeo and AOL On. Vimeo users will have the ability to share videos through Xbox Live and Facebook, but the new app may also be preparation for the official launch of the streaming site's pay-to-view service, available to all Vimeo Pro members in early 2013. AOL On also brings its library of over 380,000 videos, including content from HuffPost Entertainment, Reuters, CNET, Moviefone, Entertainment Tonight and yours truly. Lastly, Verizon FiOS users will now see 75 channels on Xbox Live, including 49 new additions such as AMC HD and NFL Network. All apps can be controlled via Kinect voice and gestures, though you may need more than zombie-like reflexes to flip to the Walking Dead. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the AOL family]
Verizon and NBCUniversal bring TV Everywhere to even more places
Verizon and NBCUniversal has struck a "TV Everywhere" rights agreement so that FiOS customers will be able to watch the media company's entire programming portfolio live and on-demand via multiple platforms. In fact, some of the programming is accessible via the Verizon FiOS Mobile iPad app already, like USA, CNBC, MSNBC and Bravo. The agreement extends to retransmission rights from local NBC and Telemundo stations, future Olympic games and various Comcast SportsNet markets like Philadelphia, Mid Atlantic and New England. Hoping that exclusive movie rental window like the one in the UK will cross the pond? Don't hold your breath, but Verizon FiOS customers shouldn't have long to wait for the NBCUniversal package, which starts early next year.
Verizon FiOS Mobile app for iPad updated with streaming access to 75 channels
The first time we saw Verizon's FiOS Mobile app for the iPad, it was showing off the ability to stream live TV channels directly to the tablet. Unfortunately when it was released later in 2010 that feature was nowhere to be found, and it was limited to remote control. Today, an update (that we'd heard it was testing) has rectified that by allowing users to stream any of 75 channels, as long as they're connected to their home WiFi network. FiOS also offers similar features in its apps for the Xbox 360 and Samsung's Smart TV platform. The update also tweaks the remote control pairing process and notes iOS 6 support, subscribers can check it out at the source link, as long as they bring their My Verizon account details. Take a peek after the break for a picture of which channels are included, helpfully sorted by genre.
Verizon FiOS TV Media Server due in the coming months, delivers content to 3rd party devices
Fall is officially here and we're closing in on the final quarter of 2012, a time when products usually get real or fade into the vapor forever. One that we've been waiting to hear about just got a little more real as the Verizon Media Server (VMS), which Big Red teased last December and promised in 2012, got a little mention in the company's latest comments to the FCC. While attempting to persuade the FCC to standardize an IP content interface and delay the December 2012 deadline, Verizon revealed that the rollout of its new product will begin in the coming months. The full feature set of this server is still unknown, but one interesting feature is its ability to stream multiple high-def stream simultaneously to 3rd party devices connected to your home network. Of course without a industry wide streaming standard -- again, like Verizon is requesting the FCC to ratify -- who knows exactly what devices could be in the mix.
Fox Broadcast app now available to Xbox Live customers with Dish and FiOS subscriptions
Xbox Live frontman Larry Hryb (aka Major Nelson) took to his blog on Tuesday to announce that Dish and Verizon FiOS customers can now download the Fox Broadcast app for Xbox 360 to stream next-day Fox programming. In order to use this free app, you'll need a paid Xbox Live Gold subscription. In addition to keeping you up to date with recent episodes of Fringe and Family Guy, this new app also includes access to legacy series such as House and 24. Like most things Xbox, the Fox Broadcasting app features Kinect integration, because everything is "better with Kinect," right?
Verizon's Viewdini appears on iOS: works on any network, hunts video from 11 sources
The Viewdini streaming metasearch service launched a few months ago for Verizon's 4G LTE-laden Android hardware, and now it's finally available on iDevices. While the droid app is exclusive to those with a 4G plan on Big Red's network, anything running iOS 4.3 and up can now make use of Viewdini, independently of carrier ties. As the screenshots above show, you're also good to go on 3G, although you better watch that data allowance to avoid any nasty surprises. Interestingly, the iOS version currently only digs through the catalogues of 11 content providers compared with 18 on the Android version, but you're still getting access to various big names like ABC, Crackle, Hulu Plus, Netflix and Verizon's own video service. More providers should be added to the list soon, and if you'd like to give Viewdini a try, it's available at the App Store now.
FiOS TV app for Samsung HDTVs and Blu-ray players available with 26 live channels (video)
While we saw cable and IPTV providers promising pay-TV channels without a box (at least in that room) at CES 2012 we were skeptical, since we've been burned before, but now Verizon FiOS TV has followed up the launch of its app on Xbox 360 by quietly releasing the version for Samsung's Smart TVs and Blu-ray players. Like the Xbox 360 app of course, you will need to already be a Verizon FiOS TV customer, so if it's not in your area you're still out of luck. One of our readers noticed the app pop up on his 2011 model Samsung HDTV, and Verizon just posted a quick video trailer (embedded after the break) previewing the app's ability to tune into 26 live channels, as well as FlexView video on-demand content. Tipster ProphetBeal noted the channel changes seemed quicker than on the Xbox 360 app, although they were otherwise very similar. There's a few more screens awaiting you at the source link, as well as a list of compatible devices. Update: The two companies have finally issued some official press information on the app, although it mostly repeats the same info from the video, check it out after the break. [Thanks, ProphetBeal]
Verizon survey reveals FiOS Companion Android tablet, aka the Motorola Corvair
While it hasn't actually started to roll out yet, one of our readers sent in pics of a Verizon FiOS survey gauging reactions to a new device that "may be available in the future" as the FiOS Companion tablet. As described in the survey, it's a WiFi-connected Android slate that not only runs the usual apps, but also works as universal remote control and streams "select" TV channels (probably the same ones as the Xbox 360 app) directly to its screen. The sole picture included confirms we're looking at the Motorola Corvair 6-inch Android 2.3 tablet that surfaced late last year with all of those features, home automation tie-ins and a 4000mAh battery. The survey questions don't reveal much else about its capabilities or potential pricing other than asking users if they would be interested in customizing their own home screen, and how. We'd hope the software has seen some updates since its original leak, but knowing this market that seems unlikely. All we can do now is help Verizon / Motorola with that customer research they were hoping to perform so let them know -- is this something you'd be interested in? [Thanks, anonymous]
Verizon FiOS TV finally set to enforce CableCARD restrictions
Verizon launched its fiber to the home service the same year CableCARD was released, but Verizon's implementation has always been a little different. For starters, Verizon got an extra year before it was required to support it, but even since then, Verizon has been pretty lax about enforcing all the restrictions CableCARD has to offer. Despite years of predictions about the sky falling one day, only now have a few FiOS customers received letters notifying them that the party's over. What we mean is that starting July 31st, you won't be able to just slide an activated CableCARD into another box, like you can now. The real bad news however, is that some premium content will now be flagged Copy Once. Although the FCC has always permitted the use of this flag on most content, Verizon has never used it. Essentially that meant that you could record anything you wanted on your TiVo or Windows Media Center PC and copy those programs any which way you'd like. Not only does this break TiVoToGo and other similar features, but it actually breaks Multi-Room Viewing on the Series3. CableCARD FiOS TV customers can tune to channel 131 to see if their TV will turn dark on D-Day (the screenshot above means you'll need to update your activation to continue viewing) but until then, enjoy the free for all copying while it lasts. [Thanks, @BrennokBob]
Verizon intros FiOS Quantum, officially priced up to 300Mbps
What's faster than FiOS internet service? FiOS Quantum evidently, as Verizon's latest high-speed internet service gets an official name and pricing. Effectively doubling every tier -- except the entry-level 15/5 -- each can be acquired with or without a custom bundle, double or triple play, and range in price from $65 to $175 a month -- except the 300 down / 65 up which is only available by itself for $210 a month. Willing to commit for two years? Well, then you can save yourself a few extra bucks a month. Existing customers won't have to pay an upgrade fee to take advantage of the new speed, but their bill will probably go up about $10 to $15 a month -- depending on what other changes they might make to their bundle. The real question is can one even take advantage of these crazy speeds, but we for one would love to find out.
Kabel Deutschland sets record with 4.7Gbps download speeds
About a year ago, Arris teased a system capable of 4.5Gbps downloads, and while that technology was in the proof-of-concept phase last June, it's beginning to look more like a real possibility. German network provider Kabel Deutschland just notched a new download speed record using Arris' C4 CMTs and Touchstone CM820S cable modems: a mind-blowing 4,700 Mbps (4.7 Gbps). The cable operator set that world-record rate in the city of Schwerin, where it recently updated its network to 862 MHz. The network may be capable of delivering those 4.7Gbps speeds, but the company noted that current laptops and modems can't even process such blazing data transfer rates. And before you North Americans get too excited, note that KD uses the EuroDOCSIS specification on the 8MHz channel, while the DOCSIS uses the 6MHz scheme in the US and beyond. Still, that's not to say that other cable providers like Verizon FiOS have been slacking lately -- 300Mbps downloads are nothing to scoff at.
Verizon doubles FiOS speeds to 300Mbps, thumb-twiddling waits are officially over
Verizon's IP network traffic jam apparently wasn't that much of an issue, since it just kicked up the speeds for FiOS service by a notch... or ten. Unless you're a spendthrift sticking to the base 15Mbps plan, download speeds have more than doubled across the board -- including to an eye-watering 300Mbps if you opt for the costliest plan. Upload speeds aren't advancing quite so quickly, although those who spring for the two highest tiers will see their upload speeds crack 65Mbps. The fiber speed-up is being attributed to a flood of Internet video and cloud backups, both of which get downright reasonable at 300Mbps; Verizon figures that both a 2-hour HD movie download and a 10GB backup will finish in 22 minutes or less. Whether or not pricing will have changed will have to wait until the speed upgrades take effect in June. Somehow, we can't imagine a drop anytime soon in the $200 monthly outlay for the top tier.
Verizon's CEO has a plan for wireless pay-TV, if the government will allow it
Verizon CEO Lowell C. McAdam doesn't quite have all of those SpectrumCo AWS licenses in his pocket just yet, but if he does get them he has a decidedly old school idea of what to flood the airwaves with: TV. The Wall Street Journal quotes him saying Verizon and its new cable friends could have "the beginnings of an integrated offering" out by the holidays, so pay-TV customers could watch video on their mobile devices. Even though many of the TV services are already streaming video to tablets, PCs and phones, currently most subscription services are limited to the space of the home's WiFi network, unlike the video on-demand seen above. According to McAdam the potential to negotiate rights for outside the home streaming and even busting open the bundles for à la carte programming exist -- provided the FCC and DOJ allow Verizon to complete the proposed $3.9 billion purchase. Of course, consumption based billing would still be on the table, so don't start planning your streaming schedule just yet. For now we'll wait and see if the pros of this arrangement outweigh the cons (and how its Redbox play is mixed up in this), or if the pie-in-the-sky NowTV-style elements of the plan are merely being floated to get the deal done.
