Comcast has just released the Xfinity TV app in the Android Market, which provides several useful smartphone/television cross-over functions on devices running Google's operating system.
There are three primary uses for the application that Comcast highlights, and which reviewers in the Android Market have focused on:
- Change channels with a smartphone (a valuable function when the remote is mysteriously MIA)
- Program a DVR from a smartphone
- Search and Browse TV listings or on-demand content with keywords, titles, or genre and network filters
Comcast has a lot of development planned for the app, with enhanced personalization features on the horizon like recommendations, personal watch-lists and customizable TV listings.
Streaming TV Coming Soon
And, the most anticipated update: Xfinity video streaming to mobile devices. The Xfinity TV iPad app already features on-demand streaming, and Comcast promises that this capability will soon be making its way to the Android version of the app.
There are also plans to develop live streaming for both versions of the app, to truly allow smartphones and tablets to match all of a television's video functions and access.
Availability
The Xfinity TV app is available as a free download in the Android Market.
Users of the app must be Comcast Xfinity customers and have a device running Android 2.1 or 2.2 with at least 16 GB of memory, a Comcast ID or Comcast.net email address, and a compatible cable box.
The app is currently not optimized for Android tablets, but Comcast promises that future development will include one that is, as well as more widespread availability among all Android devices.
Source: brighthand
