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Comcast lights up AnyPlay for in-home live TV iPad streaming, Xoom support 'coming soon'
Comcast was "close" back in September, but it looks as if today's the day. The pay-TV provider is enabling Xfinity TV customers to peek their favorite dramas and drama queens on the iPad, with any channel in your subscription available for viewing. We're told that support for Motorola's Xoom is "coming soon," but as with other AnyPlay setups, you'll need to be in or around the home to take advantage. As of now, AnyPlay's only available gratis to Xfinity HD Triple Play customers in areas of Denver and Nashville, but more markets are planned for the coming months. The company also confirmed last night's news from the Microsoft CES 2012 keynote that it'll be bringing On Demand content to Xbox 360, as well as our leak that it'll be cruising over to Samsung's connected TVs. Ready to get going? Hop a flight to one of those two cities and dip into the source links below.
Samsung N Service unveiled at CES: Time Warner Cable, DirecTV, Comcast and Verizon onboard
Well, what have we here? Looks as if Samsung's cooking up quite the content partnership here at CES 2012, with Verizon, DirecTV, Time Warner Cable and Comcast (at least) onboard. From a content creation standpoint, NBC Universal is evidently signed on to crack open its coffers and let the material pour fourth, and we're guessing we'll hear of quite a few more once the announcement gets official. As of now, the so-called N Service looks to be one that'll enable select pay-TV subscribers to stream content onto Samsung devices -- hopefully whilst far, far away from home. At least for FiOS TV users, those who take advantage of N Service will be able to "access live streaming FiOS TV channels, as well as Flex View commercial movies and TV shows from one's Samsung Smart TV or Blu-ray player." It'll obviously work with multi-room households, too. Have a peek at the detail shots below, and keep it locked right here as we learn more.
Comcast, Disney TV deal opens up access on multiple screens, tightens VOD strings
A renewal of the carriage agreement between Disney and Comcast has extended the cable company's "TV Everywhere" model, allowing it to offer customers access to "70 services" including all the ABC, Disney and ESPN channels you can name on their TVs, computers and mobile devices. Comcast's blog post notes this access extends both in and outside of the home, a major sticking point for most of the live TV streaming apps offered by cable and satellite companies (with the obvious exception of Dish Network and its Sling integration) so far. Other news mentioned in the press release (included after the break) is that the ABC video on-demand access on Comcast's cable boxes is fast-forward disabled -- no ad skipping. Other than the existing WatchESPN which Comcast customers will now have access to, there are also WatchDisneyChannel, WatchDisneyXD and WatchDisneyJunior services on the way, a part of disney's own multiscreen initiative called TV+. One other note is that for the first time the deal covers retransmission fees for ABC-owned local stations, which used to be free. There's no word on exactly how much money is changing hands as a result, but we'll probably be able to look at our cable bills in the future and see the effect -- hopefully being able to pull in the latest Grey's Anatomy episodes on the go is worth it.
Comcast promises Xfinity VOD streaming on more devices, new Xcalibur guide in 2012
Don't expect Comcast to stop its Xfinity VOD streaming to the living room rollout with just the Xbox 360 this Christmas, as executive Sam Schwartz promised during a CTAM panel that it plans to develop apps for the PS3, Wii, Roku and other connected TV platforms. Multichannel News reports it doesn't plan to roll out streaming to as many platforms as Netflix, so we'll have to wait and see where this initial venture into IPTV stops. Think big cable is scared of over the top services? Maybe not yet, since Comcast claims Netflix subscribers tend to be the most voracious users of its VOD. Also in Comcast's future is its completely revamped Xcalibur guide software with internet and social media tie-ins (check out our early sneak peek here), which Schwartz reiterated would be available nationwide at some point next year.
Microsoft reveals new TV providers including Verizon and Comcast coming to Xbox 360 (video)
Just as the rumors indicated, Microsoft is bringing video from a number of providers beyond the ones it initially announced to the Xbox 360 in its fall update, including big guns like Verizon and Comcast. While Verizon is promising "a selection" of its live TV channels on the Xbox 360 as expected, Comcast is only bringing its Xfinity TV video on-demand offerings (no AnyPlay powered live TV -- yet) to subscribers when it launches "in the coming months." Other notable providers include Lovefilm (UK, Germany), BBC TV (UK), HBO Go, and Syfy. As promised during E3, the services integrated with Xbox will offer support for search across all available video, as well as support for Kinect voice and gesture controls. The universal search is looking good since it pulls together various services into one UI (as we discussed on our podcast yesterday), but the reality is content providers and geographical limits on what services you can pick from are still throwing up walls between users and content. Check after the break for PR detailing what you'll be able to access and where, as well as a video intro to all the tasty new TV services. %Gallery-135845%
Microsoft reportedly adding video from Comcast, Verizon, HBO Go and others to Xbox Live
Microsoft announced new integration with live TV as a part of the Xbox 360's fall update during E3 earlier this year, but didn't name any US pay-TV partners at the time. Now, anonymous rumors recently posted on Digiday suggested the folks at Redmond were looking to work with Verizon and Comcast, followed by Bloomberg hearing similar talk from its own "people with knowledge of the situation." Today's rumors finger Verizon (which showed off live TV on a variety of devices at CES), Comcast, HBO, Crackle, Bravo, Syfy and UK service Lovefilm as likely partners. Missing from the list is AT&T's U-verse, which already offers an Xbox 360 tie-in and distributes its IPTV on the Mediaroom platform, just like some of the international partners previously announced. If these services launch it will be interesting to see how the integration works and if it's VOD like the existing Xfinity TV and Flex View mobile apps, or if providers cross the IPTV bridge with in-home devices like the Televation / AnyPlay box.
Comcast close to releasing AnyPlay box for in-home live TV streaming to tablets
Comcast has been talking about adding live TV streaming to its Xfinity TV tablet apps for a while, but now this screenshot of a product page from MacRumors indicates it could be launching very soon. It requires an AnyPlay box -- a Comcast brand name for the Motorola Televation cable TV-to-IPTV box shown off in June and previously a portable DVR concept from Panasonic -- that will allow viewing over the local network on compatible devices, including iPads, Android tablets and the like. There's also been recent rumors of Microsoft seeking a tie-in to bring live streams from Comcast to its Xbox 360, which could be eventually be enabled by a device and service like this. According to the page, it includes access to "most" channels, and can register up to ten tablets, but only allows for viewing on one at a time. Time Warner and Cablevision have already rolled out live TV streaming on their tablet apps, we'll see if this in-home Slingbox-approach can avoid their licensing issues.
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.
