Yesterday, Samsung and Verizon announced that the FiOS TV app now supports 75 live channels and is available on 2011 and 2012 Samsung Smart TVs and Smart Blu-ray players.
The service initially debuted in July 2012 on Samsung’s Smart Hub platform, and allows FiOS subscribers to watch TV without the need for a set-top box, so long as they own a device that supports the FiOS TV app. The app also offers in excess of 25,000 FlexView on-demand movies and TV shows.
Back in December, Verizon’s Director of Media Relations Bill Kula spoke to DT about alternatives to traditional broadcast television, and was quick to point out that Verizon is embracing the future rather than railing against it. “Within 5 years I anticipate that more than half of our customers will be watching the majority of their video in over the top fashion,” he said.
Given that expectation, it’s no surprise that Verizon is expanding its app. It looks as if the company recognizes that people’s habits are changing and is – GASP – acting accordingly. Maitreyi Krishnaswamy, director of product development for FiOS TV, supported that conclusion in saying, “Verizon’s mission is to break down technology barriers so that our customers can enjoy the best possible viewing experiences on multiple devices that they already own,”
This kind of behavior isn’t limited to Verizon either. We’ve seen other entities, such as Optimum, roll out similar services. Count one for customer feedback.
For those that have already downloaded the app, it will auto-update as soon as the new content is available. New offerings include: CNN, Comedy Central, Disney, Fox Business, Cinemax, MTV, Spike, HBO, TBS, TNT, Food Network and HGTV, based on the subscribers’ FiOS TV package.
FiOS TV subscribers can also stream live TV to their Xbox or iPad.
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