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Comcast's New Xfinity TV App: Nice Start, Lots More To Do
Comcast unveiled its new Xfinity TV app today for iOS devices, and after downloading and playing around with it a bit, I'd say it's a nice start, though there is a lot more to do. The free app is ultimately meant to allow Comcast digital video subscribers to use it as a guide, program their DVRs, search for shows in the On Demand catalog, view streaming content, create watch lists and access social networking sites to share the viewing experience.
In the press release Comcast noted that the last 3 features will be coming soon. Of these, the viewing feature on the iOS devices is the most interesting, as it will allow authenticated subscribers to view available content wherever they may be. That's the vision of TV Everywhere, and it's good to see Comcast bridging its content to non-Comcast set-top boxes (which is actually quite a rarity in the cable TV business). It's also an example of how Comcast will, in a sense, be going over the top of other pay-TV operators, when its subscribers watch video outside of Comcast territories.
Of the features currently available, the guide was the only one I was able to gain access to. It turns out that because I have a Comcast set-top box with TiVo inside, the DVR programming feature isn't enabled, though a Comcast spokesperson told me they're working on it. The alternative is to swap the box out for Comcast's own DVR which can be remotely programmed using the app. As a result, for today, for me, the app is essentially an improved, interactive guide. I was able to filter by networks, search for specific programs, see a grid of what's on now. All nice, and certainly a step up on the TV-based grid, but not quite a killer app just yet.
In a demo at the Web 2.0 Summit, Comcast Cable's president Neil Smit demo'd all of the app's features, bringing up the movie Avatar, which looked terrific. Soon that kind of on-demand viewing will be available for all digital video subscribers. And Comcast also plans to launch an Android and BlackBerry app, covering even more mobile and tablet devices. This is all a big step forward for Comcast and will act as another disincentive for potential cord-cutters.
What do you think? Post a comment now (now sign-in required).
Note - If you want to learn more about Comcast's connected and mobile device plans, join me at the VideoSchmooze breakfast on Dec. 1st in NYC, which will include Comcast's SVP of Product and Technology Charlie Herrin on the panel.
Categories: Cable TV Operators, Devices, Mobile Video
