Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ) is addressing the multiscreen nature of their video subscribers with a new FiOS TV app that allows users to control their service on their Android mobile devices.
 |
|
A developer screenshot of the new FiOS TV mobile app. (Source: Verizon) |
Supporting most Android devices running 2.3.3 or higher such as Samsung Galaxy 10, Galaxy Note 10.1, Droid Razr M, Galaxy S 4, and Moto Droid X, the app can be accessed on Google Play or the Verizon website.
To use the new app, a user must have a Verizon FiOS TV and FiOS Internet subscription.
FiOS TV customers will be able to stream up to 75 channels live while inside their home set the DVR and access its video on demand (VoD) service from any location with the app. Verizon added that Starz and Encore subscribers will be able to access over 1,500 premium on-demand titles.
The app will make it possible for one person in a home to watch a program on the TV while the other user views content on a mobile device without the need for another set top box (STB). Customers can also manage their account, and parents can lock inappropriate content.
An initial drawback of the app is that it currently can only be accessed via the home Wi-Fi connection.
A number of users who reviewed the app on the Google Play store said that they were disappointed they could not use the app outside of their home.
"Nice additional functionality when coupled with corresponding version of MyFios app," user Andrew Krigel wrote in a three-star review of the app. "Silly though that you can only watch TV on Android over wifi when at home where my TV is. Let me watch TV while in line at the DMV and it will be useful and worthy of 5 stars."
For more:
- here's the Google Play store FiOS page
- PC Magazine has this article
Related articles:
Social networks present quality of service challenge for service providers
Verizon FiOS additions drove up consumer revenue 4.3% to $3.6 billion