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Google Fiber app gains new DVR features, now on iPhone and iPod Touch
For the lucky few who've signed on to Google's Fiber TV service, you're about to get a few more goodies coming your way. Today, the Mountain View company not only upgraded Fiber's Android and iOS app with DVR management features, it's opened up the latter to the iPhone and iPod Touch as well (Fiber's iOS app was previously only for iPads). A few of the new app functionalities include a shortcut to access your show history plus the ability to search, sort and mass-delete your recordings without having to fire up your remote. Like a lot of other DVR apps, you can also now watch your shows right from your phone or tablet. This update along with new streaming partnerships and content deals certainly makes us wish Fiber was more widespread. Or, perhaps, we should consider moving instead.
Google Fiber TV subscribers get Watch Disney and WatchESPN streaming
You'd think that Google Fiber would embrace streaming TV services when internet video is practically its reason for being, but it has lagged behind many conventional providers. It's about to catch up, however: Google has just enabled Watch Disney and WatchESPN access for its TV subscribers. As elsewhere, customers who sign in can stream 11 channels of live broadcasting as long as they have both a supported device and a broadband connection. Disney's service will be available for all Google Fiber TV users, so those in Austin and Provo can look forward to one more treat when Google lights up their neighborhoods.
Google Fiber sign-ups begin in Provo, but only for a lucky few
Provo citizens who've been craving Google Fiber can finally sign up for service -- some of them, anyway. Google is now accepting early registrations from Veracity Networks' residential customers, whose internet access is already linked to the former iProvo network that Fiber will use. Qualifying locals who register by October 31st will get Google's internet and IPTV services before anyone else, with pricing unchanged from what Google offers in Kansas City. Be prepared to wait if you're not one of the fortunate few, though, as Google won't start general sign-ups until January.
Google Fiber has Vudu integration on its set-top boxes, Android app
The Google Fiber Android app got an update today that adds support for Vudu, adding another over-the-top video service along with Netflix and YouTube. The support pages for its Vudu setup seemingly date back to August 5th, but we haven't heard anything about the launch from either company. According to its change log, the update will allow viewers to search for and view content across their TV and mobile screens, although the iPad app hasn't received any update yet. Also new to the Android version are channel shortcuts in the main menu for faster switching back and forth. This addition should bring Ultraviolet digital copies to Google's TV service, although the support page notes users will have to login to Vudu separately on each set-top box. That is, assuming they're lucky enough to live in a place where Google Fiber is available. Update: Google put up a blog post mentioning the feature's launch, and confirms the Google Fiber iPad app will be updated to support Vudu.
Google Fiber's $10 Sports Plus pack gives NFL Redzone some company
When Google Fiber first offered the NFL RedZone channel last season it was $10 per month by itself, but this year it has a different deal. The new "Sports Plus" pack will vary slightly in different areas, but in Kansas City it delivers RedZone plus 11 other channels (including GolTV, MLB Network Strike Zone, Pac-12 Networks, Longhorn Channel and more.) Some of the channels were previously included in the standard channel lineup, but now they're being offloaded into this segment. Current subscribers will need to call in to add the bundle, while new signups can pick it out on the website. So far it doesn't appear Google is shifting things to the a la carte model, but if you're just looking to see more sportsball the add-on may be necessary.
Google bringing faster WiFi to 7,000 US Starbucks stores
Google and Starbucks are teaming up to boost WiFi speeds at all 7,000 Starbucks stores in the US. The move, which should be complete within 18 months, is a major loss for AT&T, the chain's contracted ISP to date. Google claims that you'll experience WiFi speeds up to 10x faster than what's currently available, with a 100x boost in Google Fiber cities like Austin, Provo and KC. The rollout will begin in August -- if you see "Google Starbucks" as an available SSID, you'll know your store has been tapped with boosted access.
Rural Canadian town developing nation's first 1Gbps internet service
All you cool city cats on DSL, eat your heart out -- a 1Gbps fiber internet service will soon be speeding up the lives of 8,500 residents in Olds, a rural community in Alberta, Canada. Around 60% of the populace can sign up for the $170 / month plan at the moment, but a new pricing scheme will bring it down to $57. That's cheaper than Google Fiber, folks, which is made possible by the fact that the town itself owns the service. In fact, it's the Olds Institute for Community and Regional Development (a non-profit) that took the bull by the horns, securing a $2.5 million grant from the Alberta government and a $6 million loan from the town itself to fund the fiber network construction. It's thanks to the town's authorities that the residents can soon rid themselves of crappy internet, while the rest of us can only look on in envy. [Image credit: Barta IV / Flickr]
Google welcomes Gladstone, MO to the Fiber family
It looks like the slow and steady fiber-fication of Missouri is well underway, as the Gladstone City Council has voted to bring Google's speedy broadband service to the city. This comes just a few days after the Mountain View company welcomed Grandview into the fold, and we're sure the Show Me state will soon see even wider Fiber adoption just like neighboring Kansas. Of course, Gladstone's induction is merely honorary at this point; there's still plenty of work to be done before its citizens can surf the fastest internet waves in the Midwest.
Google Fiber plans Missouri expansion to Grandview
It's a bit strange, but Missouri hasn't received much attention from Google since Fiber debuted in Kansas City. On the Kansas side of the divide, the blazing-fast broadband has steadily rolled out to new neighborhoods. Hell, plans are already underway to bring the gigabit connection to two completely new states. Yet, there hasn't been much progress through Missouri's enclaves. Finally Mountain View is delivering the Show-Me State a little love, by announcing plans to expand Fiber's reach to Grandview. Residents shouldn't get too excited, though; there is still a ton of work to do. In fact, the effort is still in the planning stages, so sit tight. Still, the city will probably have gigabit internet before 99 percent of the country. (So, maybe get just a little excited.)
Google adds Shawnee, KS to its Fiber map
Google recently announced Provo, UT and Austin, TX are on its list of Fiber expansions, and now it's added another region near Kansas City. The city council of Shawnee, KS has voted to bring in the 1Gbps internet / TV combo, although Google isn't ready to put a timetable on the rollout yet. We're sure passed over Kansas City-area residents are happy to see Google Fiber has expanded its footprint a couple of times, but the rest of us are just as envious as ever.
Provo council approves fiber network sale to Google, but city must front $1.7 million
Provo, Utah's plan to sell its cost-plagued fiber network to Google has been approved by the municipal council, meaning it'll soon become the third Google Fiber city. However, while still not receiving any money upfront as earlier reported, it'll now have to advance $1.7 million in equipment and engineering costs not part of the deal before, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. In exchange, each Provo resident will get a free 5-megabit internet connection for seven years and Google will have to upgrade the network to connect all the city's homes. It's not quite free, however, as the city's 120,000 residents must still pay a $39 million bond for building the network -- meaning they'll shell out $3.3 million for each of the next 12 years.
Google Fiber for iPad hits the App Store
Let it never be said that Google doesn't show its iOS-toting fans love. Even when it's not bringing apps to Apple's platform first, it usually makes sure to offer its wares on the competing ecosystem. It may have taken a while, but the Google Fiber remote app is now available outside of Android land. You'll need to have an iPad (sorry, no pocketable version here), but just like its Jelly Bean-bound cousin, you can change channels, schedule recordings and fire up on-demand programming. The free app is available now through iTunes, though, it obviously won't do you much good outside of Google Fiber's limited coverage area.
Google paying $1 to run Provo fiber, must build it out within five years
While it's well-established that Google Fiber's expansion into Provo, Utah hinges on Google buying the city's existing iProvo network, we didn't immediately learn what it took to land the tentative deal. Newly available details of the agreement reveal that the up-front cost is largely in the visitor's favor -- it's the long-term development that rewards the locals. Google only pays $1 to buy the local fiber network, but it has five years to finish upgrades and deployments that could ultimately cost $30 million, according to the Deputy Mayor's estimates. About the only remaining costs for Provo are its already existing (if significant) development loans, and the city can always buy the network back for $1 if things go sour. The pact also leaves the door open to public WiFi, although there are no guarantees that Google will mirror its New York City efforts anytime soon. When the search giant has a very healthy bank balance, we doubt there will be much quibbling over the exact terms; just know that the arrangement isn't strictly one-sided.
Provo, Utah is the third city to get Google Fiber
Google Fiber is growing in Kansas City and, as recently reported, coming to Austin, and today Mountain View revealed a third city that will enjoy its high-speed internet: Provo, Utah. The news broke today on the official Fiber blog, Provo's website and the city mayor's personal blog -- what official wouldn't be happy to break that news? If the agreement is approved by the city council, Google will buy the city's existing iProvo network and upgrade it to Gigabit technology. The deal would bring free 5Mbps service to homes already on the iProvo network (for a $30 activation fee) and offer free connectivity for 25 public institutions. The council will vote next Tuesday -- but we can't imagine any verdict other than a resounding "yes." [Thanks, all]
HBO and Cinemax come to Google Fiber, cable companies shaking in their boots
Google Fiber has a lot going for it, both as an ISP and a pay-TV platform. There was was one gaping hole in the service though: no HBO. Lets be honest with ourselves, its the big geeks that are looking to hop on that 1Gbps service first. And what do geeks love almost as much as blazing-fast Google-branded internet? Game of Thrones. Now Kansas City (and soon Austin) based nerds will be able to watch Joffrey become an even bigger monster live, rather than wait for some torrent site to get an illegal copy of it up (or, if they're smart, mooch off of someone's HBO GO account). Alongside HBO, Google Fiber has also added Cinemax: Home Box Office's less cool sibling. The branded families of channels are both available today for $20 a month or $10 a month respectively. Or, if you're a real premium TV fan, you can get both, plus STARZ and Showtime for $40 a month. Hit up the source for a few more details.
Google Fiber rollout detailed for Austin: connections by mid-2014, similar pricing (updated)
The Google Fiber rollout for Austin has been spoiled twice, but today it's officially official: the music-centric city will become a gigabit city... eventually, that is. Google now says that it will start wiring Austinite homes for super-fast internet access by mid-2014 -- we wouldn't cancel that cable or DSL service just yet, sadly. At least the pricing should be familiar. Google still plans to offer both stand-alone internet access and internet-plus-TV bundles, both at rates within the ballpark of what it offers for Kansas City, and there will still be a near-free 5Mbps plan that only requires a one-off construction fee. Institutions will get free gigabit access, of course. While we'd like Google Fiber as soon as possible, we're just happy to realize that our next SXSW crash pad may have a lot more bandwidth on tap. Update: During a formal announcement call, Google and the city of Austin provided a few minor details. They revealed that Google didn't get any incentives to land a deal, and that engineering work is only beginning in earnest on April 10th. As for AT&T's me-too initiative? Kevin Lo from Google Fiber says that it's "great" to see AT&T aware that the demand exists for gigabit access. No hard feelings, then.
Google Fiber is officially coming to Austin, Texas
Hear that? It's Austin, being weird enough to add yet another reason to live within its city limits. As rumored, Google Fiber will be rolling down to one of Texas' most esteemed towns in the near future, joining the Kansas City, Kansas and Missouri metro as the only locales (so far) in the US of A offering the outfit's Fiber-based TV, phone and 1Gbps broadband services. Mum's the word on an exact rollout, but we'll update this post as we learn more.
Rumors suggest Austin, Texas is next up for a Google Fiber rollout (update: so does its website)
The major problem most of us have with Google Fiber is that we can't get it, but that could change soon for residents of Austin, Texas. According to reports by VentureBeat and KVUE News in Austin, invites are going out for an event on Tuesday at 11 AM put on by Google and the city. Anonymous sources indicate that's where the two will announce plans to bring the TV and high speed internet hookup's plans for expansion Until we hear differently however, Google Fiber's rollout is still only confirmed for the Kansas City area, so plan your living arrangements accordingly. Update: A tipster informs us that the news section on the Google Fiber "Cities" page is currently (3AM ET) flashing a "Google Fiber's Next Stop: Austin, Texas" header. While author "SoAndSo" is not particularly well known, we'd figure this removes any remaining doubt where the service is landing next. [Thanks, Chris]
Google Fiber to expand its footprint (slightly) beyond Kansas City to Olathe, KS
While our zipcodes still haven't popped up on Google's gigabit-connected list, it announced tonight that Google Fiber is coming to the Kansas City suburb of Olathe, KS. The Olathe City Council approved an agreement allowing the expansion earlier this evening, although there's no word on timing for the deployment just yet. The internet / TV service Google provides will be competing with Comcast locally, as opposed to incumbent Time Warner in many of the previous areas. As you can see from the map above, this is technically beyond the initial rollout announced, which should thrill residents of what Wikipedia tells us is the fourth largest Kansas City suburb and hometown of NFL running back Darren Sproles. Still, despite Google calling this hopefully the first of several announcements for additional KC-area cities it will still require a move to this particular corner of the Great Plains.
Google Fiber app reaches all Android 4.1 devices
If you're one of the precious few to have access to Google Fiber, you may have been disappointed by the need to use its companion app on a Nexus 7 -- a fine tablet, but certainly not the only device in Google's universe. Thankfully, a new update significantly broadens that pool. The app should now offer remote control and content browsing on phones and tablets that run Android 4.1 or later, whether it's a Nexus 4 or the upcoming Galaxy S 4. Viewers should also see a simpler interface, no matter what hardware they're using. Those fortunate enough to have the fiber TV service just need to swing past Google Play to expand their control of the living room. Update: As many of you noticed and now Google has confirmed in a blog post discussing the redesign, the update lets the app run on any devices running Android 4.1 or higher, not just 4.2.
