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Viacom and Time Warner Cable call truce, TWC TV mobile apps will stream Colbert after all
Good news ahoy if you've liked Time Warner Cable's TWC TV streaming app but were frustrated with content providers pulling channels over licensing rights: the cable giant and Viacom have reached a settlement that will see Viacom's channels return to your Android or iOS gear. Comedy Central, CMT, MTV and other channels will be back in the next several weeks, and the two sides even managed to bury the hatched over "unrelated business matters," according to a joint statement. Just what led to the about-face is being kept secret, although Viacom's tendency to sue over retransmission rights in the digital realm raises the possibility that TWC had to fork over an extra amount. At least now you can watch The Daily Show on your iPad knowing your cable provider and the studio are singing "Kumbaya."
Alliance for Broadband Competition forms to sway opinion against Verizon's AWS acquisition
The effort to prevent Verizon Wireless from its purchase of AWS licenses from SpectrumCo and Cox just became a bit more intense, as several opponents to the deal have now banded together to form the Alliance for Broadband Competition. The coalition includes T-Mobile and Sprint, along with advocacy groups such as Public Knowledge, the American Antitrust Institute, the Rural Cellular Association and the Rural Telecommunications Group. Today, the newly formed alliance held a press conference in which it called on the FCC and Department of Justice to block the transfer, which it said would lead to an "excessive concentration of spectrum" held by Verizon Wireless. While it's not much of an olive branch, the group similarly suggested that it would support the deal if Verizon were to divest some of its spectrum holdings, establish roaming agreements and agree to a backhaul pricing structure. As you may recall, Verizon Wireless estimates that it'll exhaust its network capacity by 2014. Regardless of how this $3.9 billion proposal shakes out, it's rather clear that something's gotta give.
Time Warner Cable head unfamiliar with AirPlay
Time Warner Cable CEO Glenn A. Britt admitted he is unfamiliar with AirPlay, said a report in the New York Times. During a group interview last Friday, Britt said there was no easy way to get Internet video onto a TV, overlooking AirPlay. Apple's wireless video option easily sends a media stream from your iOS device to your TV via an Apple TV. (Not to mention other options like the Boxee Box, Roku or Google TV, which in some cases offer even more web-based video options than Apple TV does.) Britt, who claims to be an Apple user, said, "I'm not sure I know what AirPlay is." He added, erroneously, "the current Apple TV, the little thing, the hockey puck, really doesn't do anything to help enable you to get Internet material on your TV." It's a shame that the head of one of America's largest cable companies is so blissfully unaware of the technology that's driving innovation on mobile devices and the internet.
Time Warner Cable's CEO doesn't know what AirPlay is, hates set-top boxes
While he might not be the first human to admit unfamiliarity with Apple's AirPlay, he's likely to be one of the most recognizable figures amongst the bunch. In a recent interview, Time Warner Cable's CEO, Glenn Britt, said one of the main challenges faced by digital video was the lack of simple ways to stream internet-based content to television sets. Naturally, that brought up the imminent question about Cupertino's streaming goods, to which he responded by saying "I'm not sure what AirPlay is," also adding that "the current Apple TV, the little thing, the hockey puck, really doesn't do anything to help enable you to get internet material on your TV." Furthermore, he went on to say, "I hate set-top boxes," as he believes smart TVs are a better streaming solution compared to other bits that require additional hardware. Perhaps this explains why the TWC iOS apps are still missing out on some much-needed AirPlay action.
Time Warner Cable is preparing for TWC TV IPTV streaming on Roku boxes
Time Warner Cable's TWC TV streaming TV service has already arrived on iOS and Android 4.0, so what's next? According to information we've received, the next stop should be connected TV platforms, starting with the popular Roku media streaming boxes. We already got a glimpse of TWC TV on an HDTV during CES 2012 when it was being demonstrated at the Panasonic and Samsung booths, and were told at the time that it could launch on "multiple platforms" later this year. While company personnel are currently being briefed on compatibility with Roku the launch could still be some time off, as previous preparations for rollouts like streaming to PCs came months ahead. We contacted reps for the company about the plan and received a "no comment" in response, so there's nothing in the way of official word just yet. Either way, if all you want to do is ditch the bulky cable box for a diminutive hockey puck, it seems like 2012 could finally be the year. [Thanks, Anonymous]
T-Mobile CEO argues to FCC against Verizon's AWS license acquisition
Well, wouldn't you know it, but T-Mobile -- the only nationwide AWS service provider in the US -- objects to Verizon's purchase of additional AWS spectrum. The company's CEO, Philipp Humm, recently took his concerns to the chief of the FCC's wireless bureau, Rick Kaplan, where he argued that Verizon's proposal to shed Blocks A and B of the 700MHz spectrum simply wouldn't be fair shake. According to Humm, Verizon is merely looking to offload its less desirable assets (as Blocks A and B are more prone to interference). While T-Mobile's leader presents a valid point in that Verizon has merely squatted on its current AWS licenses, we can't help but think that Humm would relish in the opportunity for T-Mobile to bid on these licenses. Further, if Verizon were effectively prevented from establishing a nationwide AWS network, it'd certainly reduce competition in the auction house, and therefore bring cheaper licenses to T-Mobile's doorstep. Given that everything in question here is not corporate property, but rather a public resource, what do you think is the best way forward? [Tower photo via Shutterstock]
Time Warner's TWC TV app updated to include sports channels
On Friday, Time Warner Cable added a number of national and regional sports networks to the free TWC TV app for iOS and the TWCTV.com Web portal. The new capability lets Time Warner Cable video customers at the Expanded Basic level or higher to watch those networks live from iOS devices or computers inside the home. While the networks vary based on the region in which the customers are located, they include ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, and various Fox Sports channels. Time Warner Cable notes that live TV is available to customers with a broadband connection on either TWC or Road Runner, or those with a Time Warner Cable-provided video-only cable modem.
Time Warner Cable brings ESPN, Fox and Turner sports live streaming to apps, website
The newly-available-on-Android live streaming feature of Time Warner Cable's TWC TV app (and TWCTV.com website) has just gotten a major content upgrade, adding many national and regional sports feeds. It looks like ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, TBS, MLB Network, NBA TV and NHL Network are available in most regions, along with the applicable Fox RSNs. The full lineup of areas and channels is in the press release after the break. Of course, if you'd like to keep telling your significant other sports channels haven't been added yet and they will need to watch their reality show on the tablet while you use the big HDTV, then we can all just pretend this never happened.
TWC TV Android app finally updated with live TV streaming
Time Warner Cable users who prefer Android to iOS can finally enjoy live TV streaming on their Ice Cream Sandwich-enabled tablets and phones. As we learned when it debuted, DRM requirements are making live TV streaming an Android 4.0-only (devices that have been rooted however, are not invited) affair, but at least it's here. Subscribers can snag TWC TV 2.0 from Google Play at the link below, although they are encouraged to try uninstalling if they experience any glitches after upgrading. There's a blog post linked below with more details, but we're pretty sure a TV screen you can take to the can with you explains itself.
Time Warner and Verizon begin selling bundled packages just to annoy regulators
Verizon's special relationship with the cable houses deepened yesterday as it started to sell bundled mobile and land-line packages with Time Warner Cable, like it does with Comcast. Residents in various parts of Ohio, Kansas City and Raleigh, North Carolina can sign up and receive a $200 prepaid debit card as a reward for their custom. However, the partnership is raising regulatory concerns about Big Red's business practices, with the Justice Department weighing up if they're anti-competitive. Worse still, the FCC has yet to ratify that $3.6 billion spectrum deal, meaning that both parties could still be off to the tailors to be fitted for a federal lawsuit.
MLB Network launches Strike Zone all-highlights channel on four providers
For football fans the NFL Red Zone and ESPN Goal Line Channels have streamlined game day viewing by focusing on switching between scoring opportunities from simultaneously airing games and now Major League Baseball has its own version (there's already a web edition dubbed Full Count). The MLB Network Strike Zone went live Tuesday night on Bright House Networks, DirecTV, Dish Network and Time Warner Cable, airing live look-ins on league games and highlights without any commercial breaks. Although there are baseball games throughout the week, Strike Zone will only broadcast on Tuesday and Friday nights during the regular season. We're not entirely convinced this will work as well as baseball or cause people to sign up for the sports tiers it seems to mostly be placed on the same way its football counterparts have, but it might be just the thing for baseball fans that can't stand following just one game at a time. Check the press release after the break for channel lineup details, and let us know if you've had a chance to check it out yet.
Time Warner Cable app for Android tablets with live streaming is (still) right around the corner
To be fair, when we heard that Time Warner Cable's TWC TV app for Android tablets might add live TV streaming by the end of March it was described as a "very loose" projection, so it's not much of a surprise we're still waiting for it now, in April. It is still coming however, and a new post is up on the blog teasing the above image of the app in action and promising to make the feature available in the next few weeks, certainly by Memorial day. we should also note, it's for Ice Cream Sandwich loaded tablets only -- they have the required "security and stability" (read: DRM) necessary. Also noted is that developing a live video streaming app for iOS was easier simply because of the limited number of manufacturer, OS and hardware combinations, which mirrors what we heard previously from Netflix. Still, it's on the way, so if you're looking to use your slate as an extra TV screen in the home, you should look next to your manufacturer to make sure it's been updated with ICS.
HBO Go on Xbox 360 may be coming soon for Comcast customers
The rollout of HBO Go to connected TV devices hasn't been entirely smooth, while a lack of surround sound leaves Ben-o-vision incomplete many users are locked out because their providers don't allow access. Last week the new Xbox 360 app was the most recent casualty but the New York Times is reporting that could change soon for Comcast subscribers, who already have access to some, but not all HBO Go content via the Xfinity TV app. Multichannel News sources indicate access could open up this week, now that "other business issues" between Comcast and HBO including how subscriber information is handled with third parties have been cleared up. Unfortunately, there's still no word on streaming access for Time Warner Cable customers, or for access on Roku and Samsung devices, but we'll see if this gets resolved in time for the next episode of Game of Thrones.
TiVo sues Time Warner Cable, Motorola Mobility in fresh patent assault
Four days ago TiVo abandoned its protracted patent litigation against Microsoft and we sighed in relief at the idea that people were learning to just get along. Our respite was short lived, however, when the company revealed it was lobbing litigation-shaped grenades over the fence toward Motorola Mobility and Time Warner Cable. The lawsuit, filed in the Patent Troll haven of Texas' Eastern District, concerns patents 6,223,389, 7,529,465 and 6,792,195. The first of that trio is the contentious Time Warping patent that's been argued over so much we'd like to slice it in two, King Solomon style. Details beyond that are few and far between, but something tells us we'll be hearing more about the tiff in the future... whether we want to or not.
Major ISPs agree to FCC's code of conduct on botnets, DNS attacks
The FCC's campaign to secure the internet gained new momentum last week, when a group of major ISPs signed on to a new code of conduct aimed at mitigating cybercrime. Adopted by the FCC's Communications, Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC), the new code targets three main security threats: botnets, DNS attacks and internet route hijacking. The Anti-Bot Code of Conduct invites ISPs to adopt sharper detection methods, and to notify and assist consumers whenever their computers are infected. The DNS code, meanwhile, offers a list of best practices by which ISPs can tighten security. Though it doesn't call for a full adoption of DNSSEC technology, the guidelines do represent a "first step" toward implementation, allowing web users to verify the authenticity of their online destinations. As for internet route attacks, the CSRIC calls for a similarly collective approach, asking ISPs to collaborate on new technologies within an industry-wide framework. In a statement, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said that these practices "identify smart, practical, voluntary solutions that will materially improve the cyber security of commercial networks and bolster the broader endeavors of our federal partners." The industry apparently agrees, as heavyweights like AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast, Cox, Sprint, Time Warner Cable, T-Mobile and Verizon have already signed on. For the FCC's full statement, check out the source link below.
Time Warner Cable brings 26 local NYC channels to iOS app, website
While it may not be the good news the Android army was hoping for, TWC's got some Big Apple-sized bits to share. Via its Untangled blog, Time Warner announced it's finally adding local channels to its iPhone / iPad app and TWCTV site, including CBS, NBC, FOX, ABC and Univision (because you can never have enough novelas). Unfortunately, the goodies won't be up for everyone's viewing pleasure, as the additions are only for folks within the NYC boroughs. That said, the cable giant plans to add "a few more markets by the end of the year." Want to find out if your favorite local news show made the cut? The full list can be found at the source link below.
FCC to Verizon Wireless: You need more spectrum? Prove it by March 22nd.
By now, we hope you're plenty familiar with the ongoing saga between Verizon Wireless and the FCC -- no, not that little kerfuffle about data roaming complaints, but the biggie -- the proposed transfer of 122 AWS spectrum licenses from three cable providers to Big Red. While the FCC's latest move is merely a sign of due diligence, it's now pressing Verizon to supply additional information regarding its business, spectrum holdings and the proposed transfer -- all with a deadline on or before March 22nd. While many of the information requests are boilerplate material, the regulator specifically presses Verizon to substantiate its claims that it'll require additional spectrum in some markets as early as 2013. Further, Verizon must also provide an analysis of the proposed spectrum transfer between itself and Leap Wireless and its impact upon the deal with the cable operators. Regardless of Big Red's response, it seems safe to assume that Sprint and T-Mobile will each have some additional thoughts on the matter.[Tower photo via Shutterstock]
T-Mobile wants FCC to block Verizon's spectrum deals with cable industry
Call it sour grapes, posturing... whatever you want. The fact remains that T-Mobile has stuck its nose in the middle of Verizon's quest to bulk up its wireless portfolio. Big Magenta filed a request with the FCC on Tuesday, asking the regulatory agency to step in and block the transfer of AWS spectrum licenses from Cox, Time Warner, Comcast and Bright House to Verizon. The deals, which will cost the carrier roughly $3.9 billion, are already drawing interest from the Justice Department, which is concerned it'll place too much control in the company's hands. T-Mobile, the smallest of the nationwide carriers, is equally worried about the concentration of spectrum in Verizon's big red paws. Presumably, though, that has more to do with its inability to purchase it -- especially in the aftermath of the collapsed AT&T merger. Metro PCS and some public advocacy groups also voiced their opposition, while Sprint took a more measured approach, saying only that the FCC should look closely at the agreements. See, handset makers aren't the only mobile companies that can whip up a good legal drama.
HBO's PunchForce hits the FCC, turns fists into data... violent, violent data
HBO has been quietly working on its PunchForce tech since about 2010, when it tried to convince British star Amir Khan and Argentine boxer Marcos Maidana to wear the sensors for their light welterweight title bout. Neither seemed particularly eager. Now though, over a year later, the latest in fist-tracking technology seems to be nearing its big debut. Tiny wireless monitors, worn under the wrist of the gloves feed velocity and impact data back to a laptop with a special receiver -- all of which now have Uncle Sam's approval. The real fun though, is what happens next. The information gathered isn't meant to be locked away in lab, it'll be broadcast to viewers throughout the fight and, eventually, fed to accompanying apps, presumably alongside its PunchZone stats. Check out the gallery below for a behind the scenes glimpse of PunchForce and hit up the source link to peruse the full user manual.
Time Warner Cable targets end of March for live TV on Android, MyTWC on iOS now
Time Warner Cable promised live TV streaming would make the leap from iOS to Android devices after Ice Cream Sandwich rolled out, and now Director of Digital Communication Jeff Simmermon tweets that it could go live by the end of March. That's described as a "very loose" date however, so don't get your Tab's and Nexus' hopes up to high just yet. This comes just after it launched a beta for live TV streaming to PCs, and on the same day the company revealed the formerly Android-exclusive MyTWC app for iOS. It handles more mundane tasks like bill payment, call forwarding and voicemail, but interested subscribers can grab the free app from iTunes at the link below.
