Comcast is launching a wonderfully conceived and executed mobile app that is designed to make it easier than ever for its customers to enjoy content streaming and cable services without having to deal with a bulky, physical cable box.
Dubbed Xfinity TV Partner, this new cable service app will essentially convert newer Samsung smart TVs and Roku devices into cable boxes of sorts. Set to be launched later this year, the app will offer both live TV as well as on-demand video services, much like the Comcast XI cable boxes already do albeit in physical form.
Going forward, the Xfinity TV Partner cable service app is expected to expand beyond Samsung and Roku. This bodes well for the future of television, as it makes cable services more easily controllable via smartphone app form.
Virtual Cable Service Apps
The New Comcast App Turns Your Phone Into a Cable Box
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Cable Service Apps - As seen with the new Xfinity TV Partner app, there is an opportunity to provide customers with mobile apps to easily control their cable and streaming services without the need of physical cable boxes.
2. Smart TV Cable Box Conversion - The Xfinity TV Partner app taps into the market of smart TV users, offering a new way for cable providers to reach this demographic by allowing them to convert their compatible TVs into cable boxes.
3. Expansion of Cable Services Via Apps - The Xfinity TV Partner app is set to expand beyond Samsung and Roku, indicating a trend of making cable services more accessible and controllable through smartphone apps.
Industry Implications
1. Television/cable Providers - As Comcast has shown with their Xfinity TV Partner app, cable providers have a disruptive innovation opportunity to offer more convenient, mobile options for their services.
2. Smart TV Manufacturers - Smart TV manufacturers can explore partnerships with cable providers to implement apps like Xfinity TV Partner, increasing the value and functionality of their products.
3. Mobile App Developers - As cable services continue to shift towards mobile app control, there is an opportunity for mobile app developers to create and offer innovative solutions for cable providers and their customers.