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AT&T and Comcast test 'verified' phone calls to fight spam
Robocalls have gotten so bad that competitors AT&T and Comcast are teaming up to tackle the problem together. Their plan is to "authenticate and verify" calls. In other words, they'll let you know when an incoming call is really from the number listed on the caller ID and not a computer-generated call showing a fake number. This won't stop the unsolicited calls, but you might be more willing to answer a verified number.
Get ready for targeted ads on your smart TV
By now, we're all used to targeted ads on social media. And whether you're comfortable with having your interests shared with advertisers or not, it looks like "addressable advertising" is coming to your smart TV too, sooner rather than later. Several top media companies -- including Disney, Comcast, NBCUniversal, CBS and Discovery -- announced they're teaming up with smart TV company Vizio to develop a new standard that might make commercials feel eerily personal.
Xfinity Mobile PINs were left as '0000' by default
Comcast is a media and telecoms conglomerate that made close to $28 billion in the last three months of 2018. You would think that a company of that size, and wealth, would be able to avoid a security blunder akin to making all default passwords "password." Alas, according to The Washington Post, the company allowed its customers Xfinity Mobile accounts to be hijacked because the default PIN was... "0000."
Samsung's Android Pie rollout in the US is off to a modest start
Weeks after the international rollout, Samsung is finally ready to deliver Android Pie and One UI to Americans... although you might not want to smash that check-for-updates button just yet. The company has confirmed to Engadget that it's pushing Android Pie to Galaxy S9 and S9 Plus owners in the US, but only on Comcast's Xfinity Mobile right now. Galaxy Note 9 owners and those on other carriers (including will receive their updates in the "coming days and weeks."
NBCUniversal to launch ad-supported TV streaming service in 2020
NBCUniversal isn't going to twiddle its thumbs while competitors like CBS dive deeper into streaming video. The broadcaster has unveiled plans for an ad-supported streaming service that will launch sometime in early 2020. It'll be 'free' if you watch TV through a paid provider with NBCU access (Comcast and Sky included), but you'll have the option of subscribing if you're either a cord cutter or just want to eliminate ads.
Xfinity is using AI to keep your home network secure
Unless you spent 2018 under a rock, you'll know that security and privacy were two of the biggest challenges facing the technology industry. That affects companies like Google and Facebook, of course, but Comcast has also been paying attention to what it can do to keep its internet customers safer online. To that end, the company is announcing Xfinity xFi Advanced Security, an AI-powered service that monitors a customer's network for threats both incoming and outgoing.
YouTube 4K support arrives on Comcast X1 boxes
If you have a compatible Comcast Xfinity X1 setup, you might be pleased to learn you can watch YouTube videos in 4K resolution through your cable box starting today. Netflix and (as of this month) Amazon Prime Video were already available on X1 in 4K, so it's nice to see support for ultra high-resolution on YouTube, which has a large library of 4K videos.
Xfinity is the first TV provider to connect to Disney's Movies Anywhere
Movies Anywhere now has its first pay TV partnership. Starting today, Comcast Xfinity TV customers can sync their accounts with the Disney-led movie service. Movies purchased through the Xfinity Digital Store will appear in Movies Anywhere alongside other digital retailers. Xfinity TV subscribers will also be able to watch Movies Anywhere content on its many platforms including Xfinity X1 and the Xfinity Stream app.
Comcast's X1 boxes get Amazon Prime Video this week
As promised, Amazon Prime is becoming available this week on Comcast's X1 platform, joining other third-party streaming services like Netflix and YouTube. Beyond just having access to the app, that means content on Amazon is now searchable through the X1 UI, and with voice commands delivered via its remote. Comcast executive VP Matt Strauss told Engadget that X1 handles more than 8 billion voice commands per year, and it's number one platform for Netflix consumption among Comcast customers. Even with cord-cutting and ways people can stream via apps in their TVs, set-top boxes or dongles, being able to get to Amazon Prime without switching remotes or inputs should make everything a lot simpler. X1 integration also means it can snap together content that's available across both streaming services like Amazon and current seasons on live TV or Comcast's video on-demand. According to Amazon VP Greg Hart, expanding onto these Comcast boxes was a natural evolution, with Prime Video already available on many set-top boxes around the world. This way, customers can launch into series like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel or Jack Ryan directly from the guide, or open the app just by saying "Amazon Prime Video." Unlike Netflix, there's no billing integration between Amazon and Comcast, but it should be easy to link as long as you're a Prime customer and if you have the right hardware, then, like Netflix, 4K will be available. Plus, it's arriving just in time for you to watch It's A Wonderful Life, which is an Amazon Prime exclusive. There won't be a beta rollout or anything, although it may take a few days for the app to reach everyone's boxes.
Comcast may debut a set-top box for internet-only customers in 2019
Comcast hasn't been completely averse to cord cutters, but there are now hints that it might design hardware with those people in mind. CNBC contacts say Comcast is planning a streaming set-top box for internet-only subscribers that would unify Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube and other services. It wouldn't quite be a direct rival to devices like the Apple TV or Roku players, since you wouldn't have an app ecosystem -- Comcast wouldn't want to risk you leaving for DirecTV Now or Sling TV, you see. It would come with a voice-controlled remote, however, and would double as a smart home hub.
Internet industry groups sue California over net neutrality law
Industry groups representing AT&T, Charter, Comcast and Verizon among others have joined the Justice Department in suing California over the state's new net neutrality law. The groups said the legislation is a "classic example of unconstitutional state regulation" and asked the court to block the law before it takes effect January 1st, Reuters reports.
Disney agrees to sell Fox's Sky stake to Comcast
Last week, Comcast successfully bid $39 billion to acquire the UK TV giant Sky. Now, the Walt Disney Company has agreed to allow 21st Century Fox to sell its remaining 39 percent stake in Sky to Comcast for roughly $15 billion.
Comcast makes ‘sizable’ investment in Tile
Comcast has made a significant investment in Tile, TechCrunch reports, and the two companies will work together on products and marketing going forward. Though numbers aren't being disclosed, someone with knowledge of the deal told TechCrunch the investment was "sizable." The deal follows a move earlier this year that made Tile's tracking technology accessible through Xfinity Home.
Comcast to acquire Sky for $39 billion following bidding war
The fierce bidding battle over Sky has come to a close -- Comcast has successfully outbid 21st Century Fox to acquire the UK media giant for $39 billion. It clinched the deal following an unusual blind auction through the UK's Takeover Panel, which helps moderate these large scale acquisitions. Comcast had led the bidding for months (including a $34 billion offer in August), but had to go through the Panel after neither side made a final offer.
FCC’s Ajit Pai labels California net neutrality law 'illegal'
FCC head honcho, Ajit Pai, didn't mince words in comments regarding California's recent passing of a tough net neutrality bill. In his keynote speech for neoconservative policy organization Maine Heritage Policy Center, Pai called California's SB 822 "illegal" and said it "poses a risk to the rest of the country." Pai also hinted that he'd be coming for California should SB 822, seen as the toughest net neutrality law in the nation, receive the governor's signature, as it's expected to in the next two weeks.
Comcast's X1 set-top box helps you buy concert tickets
Comcast isn't stopping at offering movie tickets through the X1. It's using Ticketmaster's platform to sell Kelly Clarkson tickets with the help of its set-top box. Say "Kelly Clarkson Tour" to the remote and you'll go to a promo screen that will show you nearby concert dates and start the ticket purchasing process if you just have to see a show. Unfortunately, you can't complete the purchase on your TV -- you'll instead receive a text code on your phone that you use to finish the process. Still, it might be easier to browse on the big screen if you've already been curled up on the couch.
Recommended Reading: Brands are not your friend
Why Comcast Sent Me Pizza Ian Bogost, The Atlantic Brands -- well, #brands may be the more accurate term here -- do all sorts of things that seem like they're rewarding you, dear customer, for some action or loyalty. The Atlantic dives into how these acts of kindness and mountains (literally) of freebies almost always stem from an ulterior motive, especially when social media is part of the equation. Just because Comcast sends you a stack of pizzas, doesn't mean you're best pals.
Comcast's Xfinity Stream app is now available on select Samsung TVs
Today, Xfinity announced that the Stream app, currently in beta, is now available on 2017 and 2018 model Samsung Smart TVs. This app allows Xfinity customers to watch live TV, on demand programming and recorded shows and movies from their DVRs.
Comcast adds three more ESPN networks to Xfinity X1
Comcast is bringing three new ESPN networks to Xfinity X1 just in time for the college football season. ESPN3, ACC Network Extra and SEC Network + are available on Xfinity X1 now, bringing with them coverage of over 150 live college football games as well as thousands of other events. The three networks will cover more than 5,000 events annually including international soccer, Grand Slam tennis matches and college basketball as well as other collegiate athletics from dozens of schools throughout the US.
NBC Universal might reward you for streaming videos
NBC Universal is reportedly planning a different kind of online video service: one that pays you watch content and not the other way around. According to The Information, the Comcast-owned media company is thinking of launching a streaming service known internally as "Watch Back" that will give out rewards you can redeem for gift certificates. It will reportedly feature TV shows and web series not only from NBC Universal's networks, such as NBC and Bravo, but also from other sources.
