iPad app prototype is a wicked big remote for Comcast
Here's an interesting demo video from Comcast that features an iPad as a remote control with a few extras. In the demo, Comcast's Brian Roberts shows how to use the app to search for programming (both TV and On Demand), change channels and even program the Comcast DVR. Pretty neat.
Once paired with your cable box, simply browse the TV schedule or the On Demand options. To jump to a show, simply tap its name and presto! The cable box changes channels. Likewise, you can tap an On Demand feature to start it playing. The keyboard will make searching a lot easier (think Apple's Remote app with the Apple TV).
What's really neat is the invitation feature. If you'd like to watch a show with an iPad-wielding friend, you can send an invitation to his iPad (as long as he's set up with Comcast and the app, of course). A message appears on his iPad ("Frank has invited you to watch "LOST." ) All he needs to do is tap accept and his TV will switch to that show. Neat.
This is only a demo and there's no information on when it'll be available, but we're eager to try it out. I reminds me of the days when I could change TV stations with my Newton. Sort of.
It's worth noting that both the big US satellite TV providers, Dish Network and DirecTV, already have iPhone apps for DVR control and scheduling. Mike R. reports that he has successfully used the Dish app on his iPad to change channels and program his satellite box, much to the amusement of his family.
Thanks Scott!
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Here's an interesting demo video from Comcast that features an iPad as a remote control with a few extras. In the demo, Comcast's Brian...
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Once you have a hammer, everything looks like a nail :D
July 16 2010 at 4:44 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyOn a related note... when the hell is TUAW gonna get away from Flash video?
May 18 2010 at 2:38 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyNIce functionality but would be nice to have a "Watch on iPad" button and stream the video over local wifi to the iPad - that would be hot.
May 18 2010 at 12:47 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWhen the HELL, are they going to bring this type of experience to the iPhone!!!??? I have been complaining from day one with the Comcast app that there was no way to remotely set record on my DVR! AT&T cable can do this with there iPhone app, so why not Comcast?!?!?! Come on Comcast, do it already!!! i want to be able to do all of this from my iPhone!!!
May 18 2010 at 12:45 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyCuz Comcast sucks... just like they always have.
May 18 2010 at 2:55 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyBob Lefsetz did a writeup on this a few weeks back, I'm glad I can finally see a video of it in action now.
May 17 2010 at 9:45 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyWho cares if the iPad can control my STB. What I really want is Comcast's content on my iPad. Hauppauge announced a PC TV Tuner card that supports a website on your PC. Point Safari to it and you've got HD (or at least 1024x768) TV on the iPad. Except Hauppage doesn't support cable cards and cable cards don't support PPV.
How about a Comcast STB with Wi-Fi hosting a built-in web site like Hauppauge's WinTV 7 application. Might as well make it a bundle: the STB is also a wireless cable modem/router for Comcast internet. You get hardwired TV into the 60 inch HDTV, Internet and wireless TV broadcast of Comcast's content to enabled mobile devices strewn around your home.
I wish our Comcast branch used the Motorola boxes instead of the crappy Scientific Atlanta ones. All of these neat things being developed for it, while us Sci Atl users get shut out in the cold.
May 17 2010 at 4:51 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplySame here in Howard County, MD. I am originally from Philly area where it is all Motorola cable boxes. The Sci Atl/Cisco boxes have a horrible interface.
I did contact someone at Comcast Corp who said they are actively testing the Motorola guide on SA/Cisco boxes.
AT&T Uverse already has an iPhone app. Can't expect an iPad app is far behind.
May 17 2010 at 4:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyComcast already has an Iphone app that allows scheduling and recording of to your DVR.
May 17 2010 at 3:40 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyI've already been using Comcast's iPhone app to schedule a show on my DVR...?
May 17 2010 at 3:25 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyReally? This is news to me. I'll download that as soon as I get home.
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TUAW (or The Unofficial Apple Weblog) is a website devoted to tips, reviews, news, analysis and opinion on everything Apple.
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