Verizon’s FiOS Mobile TV and VOD comes to Android

by Jack Holt on
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FiOSforAndroid

Verizon took to its web site today to announce that it would be bringing an Android app to its FiOS customers. The app will allow you to stream 75 different TV channels, access Video On Demand, and manage your DVR programs. You’ll also be able to view your Flex content as well as have access to over 40,000 different titles. You can even use the app as a remote for your FiOS box when you’re relaxing at home.

From what we can see and from what Verizon says most Android devices are supported. Those include the Droid RAZR M, Galaxy S 4, and Galaxy Note 10.1. The Moto Droid X and Galaxy 10 (don’t worry we’ve never heard of it either but one can assume that they mean the Tab 10.1) are even supported. So if you’re an owner of any of these devices and use the service you should hit the break for your download link and QR codes.

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Haier Introduces HXT 3D Smart TV Series, Comes Fully Loaded With Quad-Core Snapdragon Chip And Jelly Bean

by Roy Alugbue on
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TV manufacturer Haier may be a mainstay in many living rooms out there, but it is using CES to introduce itself and its brand into the Android world by launching its HXT 3D Smart TVs. The special line of TVs will arrive in a super slim profile, but come packing a major punch featuring a built-in quad-core Snapdragon processor and operated by the latest version of Jelly Bean (Android 4.2). Additionally, the television will also feature a specialized WiFi Direct QWERTY remote, giving users of the device all sorts of additional functionality and umph.

Unfortunately, Haier is staying mum on how much the Android-powered TV set will cost or when it will be available, but we suspect that both will be known sooner than later.

For all of our continuous CES coverage click here.

 

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BBC iPlayer updated with Android 4.2 support, fresh UI and improved video quality

by Colton Kaiser on
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After unleashing a breadth of information regarding future plans for its iPlayer Android app, the BBC has released an official update, bringing numerous fresh features to the radio and TV-streaming application.

Users can now experience a polished UI, keeping in line with Google’s very own Holo style guidelines. Support has also been added for Android 4.2 in version 1.5.0.666, something that many fans had been complaining about since the initial release of the Nexus 4. Perhaps one of the biggest changes, though, is much improved video quality, which should help soothe the eyes of visually picky viewers.

The app is available to download now from Google Play via the download link below.

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Play Store Download Link

Cablevision customers can now control their TV with new Optimum app (if your device is compatible)

by Alexon Enfiedjian on
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In our smartphone saturated society, more and more companies are releasing apps that allow your smartphone to control their hardware. Today cable television provider Cablevision jumped on the bandwagon and released their new Optimum app which allows subscribers to control their TVs and even stream shows directly to their devices via the app. Besides being able to control your DVR box, schedule recordings, and stream shows, watch on-demand movies, there is also a useful channel guide built in with the ability to search for shows by name or category. You even have the option to rate programs after you’ve watched them. According to the Cablevision’s site, to use the app you’ll need to be connected to your home network through an “Optimum authorized modem”.

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Hisense jumps into 4K TVs with the XT880, promises Android 4.0

by Macky Evangelista on
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In a surprising move, Hisense is entering the “large” big screen TV market with it’s upcoming XT880 line’s of 50, 58 and 65 inch TV’s deliver that 3,840 x 2,160 picture resolution. Hisense also promised a full-fledged, 3D-capable smart TV based around Android 4.0 with WiFi internet access, a remote with voice commands and a removable camera for gesture control or Skype chats.

More details of this should surface come CES, but certainly seems interesting thus far. Hit the break below for Hisense’s full press release!

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Shazam app update expands tagging for TV shows to be universal

by Jeff Causey on
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Stalwart music tagging app Shazam continues to move into areas beyond music. You may have noticed the Shazam logo showing up on TV shows or during commercials. That was a sign that app users could use Shazam to get additional information about the show. Shazam is now expanding that capability to enable users to tag any show on any network. Using Shazam, users can pull up information about a TV show’s cast, what they are tweeting about, IMDB and Wikipedia entries, and more. The app also enables users to tweet out or share via Facebook. » Read the rest

Samsung unveils new TV over 4G technology

by Macky Evangelista on
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Seems as if Samsung has been testing LTE Broadcast technology for TV over 4G using a standard known as eMBMS (evolved Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Service). While mobile TV has been popular over in Japan, it hasn’t quite made the leap to any other market or country. The large amount of bandwidth that LTE offers could help persuade other carriers to consider this technology and could very well be a hit to consumers in this on-the-go society that we currently live in. While it’s certainly still unclear what Samsung’s goal ultimately is with this technology, I’m sure it has a good chance to be successful considering Samsung is one of the worlds most successful smartphone manufacturers.

You can head over to the official press release after the break.

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TiVo App now Available in the Play Store

by Stacy Bruce on
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Replayed TV lovers rejoice! The TiVo for Android app has finally landed in the Play store! Previously limited only to iOS devices, the TiVo app can now be downloaded and will turn your Android device into the ultimate “command center for your TiVo DVR. ”

TiVo® DVR and non-TiVo DVR customers can get the TiVo experience in the palm of their hands with the FREE TiVo app – including Suddenlink and RCN Premiere DVRs. Turn your Android phone or 7inch tablet into command central for your TiVo DVR. Now you can search, browse, discover and share without ever interrupting the show you’re watching. Quickly surface new content, view guides, schedule and manage recordings, get recommendations, or dig deeper into a particular actor’s entire resume—all using intuitive, gesture-based interaction.

The free app brings a whole slew of handy features to your living room such as an in-depth channel guide showing programs up to 14 days in advance, remote control functionality, programming and actor info, storage monitoring, and Season Pass management. To check out even more features and to get in on the action, hit up one of the source links below.

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Play Store Download

 

 

 

 

 

Telus Launches Optik TV App for Streaming TV and Movies on the Go

by Stacy Bruce on
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Good news for you Canadian readers who have Telus as their wireless carrier. Telus has just released an app in the Android Market that works in conjunction with thier Optik TV service and allows users the ability to watch select content on their mobile devices. Channel selection is a bit limited at this time but currently you can tune in to HBO, YTV, Baby TV, two Disney stations, and a few more. Whats neat is that the service doesn’t end with mobile devices either, Telus also offers an online portal for any web-enabled device. You can even watch Optik TV with your Xbox Kinect, gestures and voice included.

Once Telus’ LTE service kicks off, you can bet this app will be a hoot. Imagine watching your favorite HBO shows on the go without the streaming lag-time associated with 3G service. I imagine LTE should hit Telus soon, more than likely alongside the Galaxy Note launch in the middle February.

If you’re a Telus customer and want to go get the download, I’ve included a couple handy links after the break. While you’re there, you might as well check out the promo video for the Optik TV app, too!

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IconBit announces Four new Android TV/Media Player Set-Top Boxes at CES, Two with 3D Functionality

by Stacy Bruce on
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Most of you are familiar with Google TV, but I am sure not that many of you have heard of an Android TV. Yes, Android TV. Imagine having the capability of a full blown android experience on your television just by adding a neat little set top box. A Russian based company called IconBit has created just that — a line of set-top boxes that will bring the Android OS to any HDMI compatible television.

We had a chance to meet with the IconBit team at CES and got a rundown on their latest Android endeavors. They have created 4 different boxes that all access the Android Market and a couple that come with a gesture controlled remote (think Nintendo Wii). One of the more exciting bits of news was the announcement that all 4 devices will be upgraded to Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich in the near future. All units provide a tablet-like experience on your home television and can be linked up with an external hard drive for storing your favorite media files. » Read the rest

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