Xfinity Remote Prototype: iPad Demo at NCTA Show
Comcast Labs has developed a prototype of a web-based remote control that will extend our interactive programming guide to many IP-enabled devices. The Xfinity Remote, which Brian Roberts demoed today on an iPad at the NCTA show, enables you to search for your favorite shows and movies on television and video on demand, change the channel on your cable box right from your iPad, and set your DVR remotely.
The application is simple, easy-to-use and makes it easy to discover content and even chat with friends and share recommendations – making it a truly “social remote,” integrated with existing social networks. It brings PCs and a variety of tablets and smartphones into an immersive video experience together with the TV, finding content in very convenient ways. It will bring a new level of personal interactivity to watching TV. It looks particularly great on the iPad because it takes advantage of the rich, graphical user interface. We’ve got developers working now to finish and launch this application. We’re building in some pretty cool social features like chat and the ability to invite friends to watch what you are viewing. This is part of our strategy to give consumers lots of simple ways to navigate the tens of thousands of choices we now offer on television and online. Yesterday at the show Brian announced our rollout of a new library server system that will bring more than 11,000 movies On Demand to the TV, in addition to the 20,000 TV shows and movies online. With all that content we want to bring consumers smart, simple tools to navigate their entertainment choices.
Today we offer our customers other cross-platform solutions to help them find, discover and watch this content: FancastXfinityTV.com, and a Comcast iPhone app that you can download for free from the Apple app store. The Xfinity Remote takes this functionality to a whole new level.
Here’s a look at the Xfinity Remote prototype from Brian’s panel this morning in Los Angeles.
Enter Comments
Please note that all comments on the Comcast Voices blog must follow the guidelines outlined in the blog policy. All comments will be moderated prior to appearing on the blog. This is important to prevent spam and personal attacks. If posting a comment about a specific customer service problem or personal account issue, please contact us here, or post your question to the Comcast Help & Support forums.
Comments (17)
I read recently that iPad streaming is on the drawing board for future roll-out. You'll be able to watch shows on the way home - then resume watching on tv at home. I'm not buying an $800 iPad as a remote control either, but streaming would be awesome. I give Comcast credit for at least trying to be forward thinking... not that they've been anywhere near perfect over my 13 years of cable modem subscription. Stop drilling holes in my house... just fix the problems on my street!
\/\/\/
so what!!! I can do this now on my tv and cable box. Like I need an $800 ipad to do this??? Let me know when I can stream tv and watch my comcast programming on my ipad. then I'll be impressed.
This is a great app, one thing that would be fantastic as a parent, if you are able to see what is being watch on your DVR (cable box) or terminals, real time.
This is a great innovation that addresses a serious consumer need. Channel surfing slowed down substantial in the conversion from analogue (fast channel switching) to digital (twin delay in switching + far more content).
Just FYI, don't think this was clear to everyone but this is a webapp. It is not an iPad app. It works on any device with a web browser.
WOW....
The guy who developed this needs to be promoted - cool stuff!!!
This would not make me go out and spend $499 on an ipad. Sorry I will still to my old remote.
Hope they make an app for the androids too.
This is exactly what I have been hoping for. Well not exactly. There are still several features missing, but this is enough to make me buy an iPad. Although I do fear that it will be as buggy as their current onDemand system. Seriously Comcast, there are so many obvious bugs that could be easily fixed. I'd hate to see you half-ass this too. Either way, hurry up and release this.
Couldn't have said it better myself. I'm tired of being teased by Comcast years in advance about great new features never to see them in my area. I'm not holding my breath for this.
This is exactly what I do all night on the laptop with Netflix, except with this you can record, watch and share thousands more choices. I hate having to scroll through page after page on cable - the keyboard feature would relieve all that. Can't wait to try this out!
I think it's pretty darn cool. Can't wait til it's all rolled out!!
Please make this also available in Android. it would be great
A $400.oo Channel Changer? No thanks!
Chat with friends when i want to watch a movie? No Thanks.
Multi Task? no thanks, 1 thing at a time science shows makes you more productive.
Strategy to give consumers lots of simple ways to navigate the tens of thousands of choices we now offer on television and online.
Drinking the Koolaid. We don't need 10's of 1000's of choices. No one does. Rest your mind. Unplug yourself. Step away from the screen.
Advice: Calm Down Nation and Save your money.
Problems with apple
http://www.edu-cyberpg.com/Technology/apple-ipad-iphone-made-in-china.html
Way cool!!!!
Now can we make the guide on the screen look more updated?
Please release this app! This would be a wonderful!
Sweet, I can't wait for the year 2032 when this is finally rolled out to all of Comcast's areas!!