Comcast is finally updating their Xfinity TV mobile device app with a new one called Xfinity Stream. The new app isn’t just delivering a new user-interface but a multitude of new features for Xfinitiy subscribers including: live-TV access, on-demand programming, DVR recordings, filtering content with critical scores as well as Common Sense Media ratings, and setting content restrictions using parental controls. Xfinity Stream will also likely serve as the new home for Stream TV, Comcast’s internet-TV service targeting cord cutters. The new Xfinity Stream TV app is set to launch on February 28th, 2017 on iOS and Android devices.
TV launched in 2015 and is still only available in select markets, like Boston and Chicago. This lack of exposure might account for its general lack of success. However, the idea of a Comcast backed IPTV service still holds sound, which is why Comcast is looking to rebrand the internet service in a launch later this year.
Stream TV isn’t a traditional over-the-top (OTT) service, like Sling TV or Netflix, because it can only be used by customers who are already on an in-home Xfinity wifi network. While the service is currently marketed as one for cord cutters, it’s really more for people who watch television at home. To access any of the content outside of an Xfinity wifi network users will have to rely on TV Everywhere powered apps.
The new Stream TV app now includes access to over 200 live-TV channels including ESPN and Fox Sports as well as major networks like Fox News, MSNBC, CNN and BBC World News and local ABC, CBS, CW, FOX, NBC and PBS channels. Customers also have access to over 40,000 on-demand titles, which can all be downloaded for offline viewing. The service also includes DVR recording services, which can also be accessed offline.
The offline access is an exciting feature for Xfinity customers who are concerned about their data usage when accessing content via their mobile device. With all of the on-demand and DVR content available offline customers will be able to watch all their favorite shows without paying an arm and a leg for their data plan.
The Stream TV IPTV service will be rebranded with a different name when it relaunches to differentiate it from this new Xfinity Stream TV app. It will roll out nationwide in every US market where Comcast is available later this year. At that time, customers who already have the Xfinity TV app installed on their devices will be automatically upgraded.
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