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Just ahead of when Apple plans to launch a new subscription video service that will give customers access to bundled cable channels, Comcast has introduced Xfinity Flex, a streaming service that combines video on demand content, ad-supported, free live streaming content, and access to add-on subscription apps.

Xfinity Flex is priced at $5 per month and is available to customers who subscribe to Comcast's Xfinity internet service. It comes with a 4K set-top box and X1 voice remote for accessing content.

comcastxfinityflex-800x411.jpg

Comcast says that thousands of free movies and shows will be offered, with free content from Tubi TV, YouTube, Xumo, Pluto TV, and more offered alongside subscription content from apps like Netflix, HBO, EPIX, and Prime Video. It will also be paired with podcasts and music services from Pandora, iHeart Radio, NPR One, among others.

The app will have an interface that's not unlike the interface of the Apple TV, with a content library, access to a "Watch" section for TV content, a listen section for music, and an apps section for accessing different apps and home WiFi settings.
"Xfinity Flex will deepen our relationship with a certain segment of our Internet customers and provide them with real value," said Matt Strauss, Executive Vice President, Xfinity Services for Comcast Cable. "For just five dollars a month, we can offer these customers an affordable, flexible, and differentiated platform that includes thousands of free movies and shows for online streaming, an integrated guide for accessing their favorite apps and connected home devices, and the ease of navigating and managing all of it with our voice remote."
Comcast plans to allow customers to subscribe to third-party video services through its platform, which is something that Apple is also going to offer with its own streaming service.

According to Comcast, more than 10,000 free online movies and TV shows will be included alongside the streaming services that its customers subscribe to, along with options to purchase and rent movies and TV shows.

Comcast plans to make Xfinity Flex available to Comcast subscribers on March 26. It will be available to residential customers who have internet service with 25Mb/s or above that's compatible with xFi gate.

Article Link: Comcast Launches New $5 Month Ad-Supported Streaming TV Service
 
So, let me get this straight... They want to charge you for stuff that either you can already get for free, or that you could easily purchase from less sleazy companies? AND you have to use a crappy, proprietary set top box? Hard pass.
 
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Sounds like desperate move before next week’s event. Why did they waited till last minute? I think I am more interested in Apple streaming and upcoming Disney streaming services too.
 
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One of the drawbacks to having to negotiate deals for content. Potential competitors know your every move. Especially if they follow Apple Spy sites.
 
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Sounds like desperate move before next week’s event. Why did they waited till last minute? I think I am more interested in Apple streaming and upcoming Disney streaming services too.
I highly doubt Comcast is desperate or in competition with Apple. They already have what Apple is trying to do and already have the customer base to make this way more successful than an "Apple Streaming" service would be. And they waited this long because Google finally made AndroidTV open to all manufacturers to make custom set top boxes, and this is what they've been working on
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One of the drawbacks to having to negotiate deals for content. Potential competitors know your every move. Especially if they follow Apple Spy sites.
Comcast is not a competitor to Apple. Apple is not in the cable TV and ISP business
 
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Comcast. Has their own high rise in Philly, half filling a second. Owns a shiet ton of sports teams,etc

The Sears of the 21st century. With such largesse comes hubris. They will spend their way into bankruptcy while cord cutters flee.

I love to watch Phillies & Flyers games, and spend a LOT of time at home lately, but I’m not paying all that coin for cable. Ball players are making $800 Million (Harper), cable money pays a lot of that via TV rights.

I can’t afford hospital copays, and to feed my family. Sorry. Glad they signed Harper and all, but I can’t prop that up. Can’t do it.....
 
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I highly doubt Comcast is desperate or in competition with Apple. They already have what Apple is trying to do and already have the customer base to make this way more successful than an "Apple Streaming" service would be. And they waited this long because Google finally made AndroidTV open to all manufacturers to make custom set top boxes, and this is what they've been working on
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Comcast is not a competitor to Apple. Apple is not in the cable TV and ISP business

Are you not aware of the Apple event next week?
 
this new service seems like it's an enhancement intended for existing Comcast customers to upgrade to a higher paying tier/bundle. Its not for non Comcast customers. Verizon does/did the same thing with FIOS customers. It's kinda like a Prime membership; pay more, get more.
 
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The problem with Comcast is when I originally had it for internet I was paying $29/mo. Several years later it was $49/mo and still at 3mbps.
So this tv service will do the same thing. They will have people paying $50/mo in a few years.
 
I pay xfinity currently for a triple-play package…I switch between Fios and Xfinity at the end of each contract period.

While the price sounded good, it seems there isn’t much content you can’t get elsewhere. Not sure if you can access the xfinity on demand (which could be a nice benefit) or if you only get those other streaming “channels”.

So far Netflix hasn’t signed me out on the X1 box whereas every so often Netflix (and other channel apps) on the AppleTV sign themselves out and I need to log in again.

UPDATED: it does look to include their OnDemand content. Though also says prices subject to change (not sure if that means the subscription prices you can buy from third-party OR Flex charge. And limited to just 2 boxes for now. I suppose this is another way to get your data. Like any other streaming device.
 
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With 1TB of data - they are going to give you every tool posible to run through it and start paying overages. Once overages kick in “how much is unlimited?” Thats an extra $25-$50/mo depending on market.

Then what do you know... you are paying the same price for internet and basic movies/shows as you were for your triple play.
 
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