Mark it down. November 2010 is the month TV went mobile. Forget earlier efforts, or the fact that there is still massive room for growth and improvement. This month two major providers, Verizon and Comcast, have announced new applications designed to take their TV offerings to the small screen. So far the two approaches are radically different, but rest assured,Verizon and Comcast are converging on the same goals. Here’s a little comparison of what you can do today.
Verizon Flex View App
Rent or buy videos that can be watched on up to five authorized devices- 1,400 movies available with TV shows on the way, and a predicted library of 2,000 titles by the end of 2010
- Works on Windows, Android, and Blackberry devices
- Available only to FiOS subscribers
Note that Verizon has also previously talked about bringing linear programming to mobile devices. That’s expected to happen early next year.
Comcast Xfinity TV App
Search linear and on-demand TV listings on an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch. (Android support on its way)- Change channels on your TV right from the Xfinity app
- Schedule DVR recordings
Like Verizon, Comcast says of its Xfinity app, “you’ll soon be able to turn your device into a TV screen to watch your On Demand shows and movies from anywhere.”
Filed under: Comcast, Internet, IP, IPTV, Mobile device, TV, Verizon, Video
[...] suggests his group is working closely with Comcast’s cable video folks. And no wonder. The iPad Xfinity TV app requires EBIF integration and communication with non-Internet-connected set-tops. Brown notes that [...]
[...] (a cable provider for all intents and purposes), already has a mobile on-demand offering with the fledgling Flex View app, and says it will build in linear programming early next [...]
I work for DISH and they have a similar app that does much more than both of these. The DISH Remote Access app allows users to view live and recorded content anywhere there is internet access, acts as a remote control, and is compatible with Android, Windows, Blackberry, and iOS. This app also lets users manage and set DVR recordings. And, to top it off, it’s all available right now!