Comcast's Xfinity TV App Now Streams Video to iPod and iPhone

[MacRumors]

As noted by Cnet, Comcast has updated its iOS Xfinity TV app to support streaming on-demand video to the iPhone and iPod Touch. Previously, this feature was limited to the iPad.

I gave the app a whirl on my iPhone 4, choosing an episode of "Cowboy Bebop" from the TV listings. There's a sense of familiarity going, as I've already used the streaming functionality on the iPad, which was generally above average in performance and had respectable quality. The episode appears on my 3.5-inch screen, and after a few seconds the little algorithms adjust the quality of the image from '90s Real Player to "Ooh, Nice."

The app is available as a free download [App Store] to Comcast subscribers. No live tv yet, unfortunately. Other companies have tried to offer such services but have been met with legal issues with the licensing of the content.

Unfortunately it seems the early iTunes reviews shows some users having problems with crashing in the new version, so be sure to keep a backup of the previous version before upgrading.

Article Link: Comcast's Xfinity TV App Now Streams Video to iPod and iPhone

 

[Surely]

Come on Time Warner, your turn.

And while you're at it, why don't you let the HBO Go app work for us, hmm?

 

[Mattstkc]

This is bogus. The description clearly indicated Live TV.

"You now have access to all channels from your regular programming line-up". What the hell else does that mean but Live TV?

 

[reebzor]

This is bogus. The description clearly indicated Live TV.

"You now have access to all channels from your regular programming line-up". What the hell else does that mean but Live TV?

The Play Now feature only includes VOD content. The ability to stream live tv could be implemented, but that would likely require an additional box plugged into your network (that you would rent from comcast, like your cable box) and you being on your own wifi network to access the stream. I would assume this is something that the devs at Comcast are working on.

 

[Surely]

The Play Now feature only includes VOD content. The ability to stream live tv could be implemented, but that would likely require an additional box plugged into your network (that you would rent from comcast, like your cable box) and you being on your own wifi network to access the stream. I would assume this is something that the devs at Comcast are working on.

Why would it require an additional box plugged into your network? The Time Warner iPad app streams live TV over your own wifi network without any additional equipment.

 

[reebzor]

Why would it require an additional box plugged into your network? The Time Warner iPad app streams live TV over your own wifi network without any additional equipment.

The Time Warner App requires you to have their modem and wireless router, essentially what I described.

 

[Surely]

The Time Warner App requires you to have their modem and wireless router, essentially what I described.

Well, not really. Your post made it sound like you would need to rent some sort of special box that would allow the live streaming on top of your internet service. It really wasn't clear that you were talking about having to subscribe to their internet service.

 

[zhenya]

The Time Warner App requires you to have their modem and wireless router, essentially what I described.

You only need their modem to get live TV.

 

[d21mike]

You only need their modem to get live TV.

I believe the main problem with Time Warner is that you have to have their Internet Service as well. I had Verizon FIOS for Internet and Time Warner for TV but I could not get it unless I switched my Internet to Time Warner. I have since dropped Time Warner TV because I prefer Verizon FIOS for Internet for the speed. I have a SlingBox so not a problem for me but would be nice if Verizon TV offered this as well. Of course no one can compete with the Sling Box for total control local and remote.

 

[Mattstkc]

The Play Now feature only includes VOD content. The ability to stream live tv could be implemented, but that would likely require an additional box plugged into your network (that you would rent from comcast, like your cable box) and you being on your own wifi network to access the stream. I would assume this is something that the devs at Comcast are working on.

Here is the EXACT WORDING from the upgrade notes

Now watch movies and TV shows anytime, anywhere on your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad using a WiFi connection.

The XFINITY TV app also now automatically gives you mobile access to the same TV channel lineup you have at home.

"mobile access tot he same TV channel lineup you have at home" isn't VOD. That's the definition of live streaming.
They are intentionally vague and misleading and it's the douchebaggerry you would expect from Comcast.

 

[MEJHarrison]

Does anyone know if it supports TV Out (for the iPhone 4)? I have the hardware and was really looking forward to HBO Go, but that one only sends audio to the TV, not video. Since I can get the exact same HBO content through this app, I'm really hoping I'll be able to stream it to my TV.

 

[Sixtafoua]

Omg matt smith is sexxxxyyyy

 

[Vantage Point]

Works okay on my iPhone 3Gs. Pay channels still require a subscription and the number of TV shows available are limited but nonetheless, this is great to have!!!

 

[MEJHarrison]

Does anyone know if it supports TV Out (for the iPhone 4)? I have the hardware and was really looking forward to HBO Go, but that one only sends audio to the TV, not video. Since I can get the exact same HBO content through this app, I'm really hoping I'll be able to stream it to my TV.

I just tested it and it seems to work just like HBO Go. You get sound on the TV, but video on the phone.

Netflix did it right. Why can't HBO or Xfinity? It really sucks. Pulling out my phone would be soooooooo much easier than hooking up the laptop.

 

[Astro7x]

Well this App is a huge letdown. About the only thing worth watching on it is Conan. Where's the content people actually want?