14 DAY TRIAL // Comcast, the largest cable operator and the largest home internet service provider in the United States, has launched its new Xfinity TV app for iPad and iPhone. The free application enables Xfinity TV digital customers to watch TV shows and movies directly on their iOS device, either at home or on-the-go.
According to Comcast, the Xfinity TV app is both a TV guide and a mobile video player.
Customers can change TV channels from the iPad as well as search and instantly find what to watch, including top movies and premium cable shows.
The app was demonstrated on Monday, November 15 at the Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco.
At the time, Comcast said that the first version of the app would be available on the iTunes Store this week as a free download to Comcast digital customers. The software is now available for download for iPad and iPhone users.
Comcast will initially offer hit shows and blockbuster movies from the top premium networks. The app will continue to expand its content and functionality through a series of “regular development updates” in the coming weeks and months, Comcast said.
The cable company promises that Xfinity TV will ultimately include “thousands of additional entertainment choices, added remote control features, and enhanced search across platforms.”
According to its makers, the Xfinity TV app will allow customers to:
- Browse and discover video content from either TV listings or selections from the On Demand library in a rich user interface with colorful poster art and details. - Use it as a TV guide so, in just a few finger taps, users can find what to watch by reviewing their TV listings and change the channel in real time. - Program their DVRs to record TV shows, series and movies so they never miss their favorites. - Sort content based on different filters like Networks and Genres such as Movies, Kids, Sports, or by HD content. - Search by keyword or by title A-Z in TV listings or On Demand. - Watch movies and TV shows directly on the iPad anytime, anywhere (coming in December). - Personalize viewing with a “MyTV” feature to create a “Watchlist” of favorite TV shows and movies (coming soon). - Seamlessly access social networking sites to share what they’re watching with others (coming soon).
“This Xfinity TV app is part of a much larger effort to reinvent the way consumers interact with their televisions by transforming the way they search, navigate, discover and share entertainment,” said Neil Smit, President of Comcast Cable.
“The remote control hasn’t changed in years and this app will enable millions of consumers to instantly search thousands of live TV and On Demand choices and also watch the best content whenever and wherever they want.”
Xfinity TV is compatible with iPhone and iPad and requires iOS 3.2 or later. The app is iOS 4.0-tested.