An Xfinity data breach has been revealed by the company, in which hackers were able to obtain a wide range of customer information.
Data obtained for at least some Xfinity customers “may” include usernames, hashed passwords, real names, contact information, date of birth, last four digits of social security numbers, and security questions and answers …
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Comcast’s Xfinity Stream app for iOS was updated this week with an important new feature. Starting today, users can now stream content via AirPlay to a compatible device, such as an Apple TV, Smart TV, or other set-top box with built-in AirPlay.
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Xfinity Mobile is now letting prospective customers bring their current (compatible) iPhones to the wireless service. Launched last year, Xfinity Mobile uses Verizon’s network and offers a pay per GB plan as well as a $45/month unlimited option.
Last week, Xfinity Mobile fully launched its new wireless plans after previously releasing the new service in select cities. Starting today, the company is giving new customers $200 off all current iPhone models and more.
While Apple’s rumored Web TV service is expected to launch with new hardware and software later this year, Comcast has shown its cards on what it describes as an “experiment” to offer live TV streaming to its Internet subscribers without cable packages. Stream, a $15/month Xfinity add-on, will allow Comcast Internet subscribers to view live and on-demand streaming television from “about a dozen networks” including HBO and other major broadcast networks.
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Xfinity TV’s iOS app now allows subscribers to stream live TV channels as well as access on-demand content. The app has also been renamed from Xfinity TV Player to Xfinity TV Go.
Early reviewers, though, seem more interested in Air Play functionality, which has not yet been added.
The app is a free download from iTunes.
We didn’t get any updates to Apple TV at WWDC this week like some were hoping for, but yesterday Comcast–one of the cable companies that has been rumored to be in discussions with Apple over a new and improved Apple TV service– unveiled its next-generation cable box arriving this fall. On top of a brand new UI and platform dubbed “X2”, the company also gave us a look at its revamped iOS apps & a new controller with voice control features that will let you search by actor, show type, series, etc.
While showing off a new slick UI with recommendations and brand new, customizable guide views, the company also showed off integration with apps such as Pandora, Rotten Tomatoes, and zeebox for ratings. Within the new apps section (shown at 16:40), we see integration with Facebook, Pandora, Instagram, Xfinity Home apps, and much more.
An interesting aspect of the presentation, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts noted that the company sees the new open platform as being an open architecture that would allow for a “family of boxes” and a family of personalized remotes. We’re not sure if that means the company has plans to integrate third-party hardware with its platform, like an Apple TV for example, but it’s clear Comcast has no plans on completely getting rid of its own cable box anytime soon. It also doesn’t look like Comcast is waiting around for Apple to revamp its TV service with apps and voice control, and we also got a quick look at the new X2 experience running on an iPad and iPhone (pictured right).
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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLz72XErN8U&w=640&h=390]
Comcast is going to allow its members to sign into their accounts and do all kinds of DVR stuff from their iPads. Great. But here’s the interesting: eventually (December) customers can watch Comcast movies over the web on their iOS devices. That’s not necessarily from their homes or on a Comcast network.
nWatch TV from the app – including premium cable channels such as HBO and Showtime. (This feature will be available in December.)
The Xfinity TV App is part of Comcast’s ongoing commitment to offer customers the ability and flexibility to watch TV on their terms. Last month, Comcast introduced XfinityTV.com so its 23 million customers can access their favorite shows – including premium content from HBO and Showtime – from a computer. Also, Comcast will launch several Android apps before the end of the year and soon follow with products for additional emerging platforms.
You can download the app here.
Here’s the interesting question: What if you just want to watch TV on your iPad and not pay for a cable line at home? Is Comcast going to offer these types of customers (who might not even live in Comcast covered areas) a solution? Update: a Comcast spokesperson says no.
That’s a shame because Comcast could prove to be a competitor to Hulu and give consumers more choice in watching videos online if this were the case.
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