Comcast just announced its new iPad and Android tablet service that brings live, on demand and recorded streaming video to tablet computers.
The company, known for its “triple play” services (cable, VoIP and broadband Internet) will now connect to WiFi-enabled devices like the Apple iPad, Samsung Tab and other Android tablets. Meanwhile, Directv and other consumer media services fight for market share in a very competitive media market.
The new Comcast Xfinity tablet service, released shortly, will extend the capabilities of its IOS iPad App to live streaming, on-demand and DVR recorded movies, television shows and Web content. Customers choose how to view entertainment on their new media devices.
Need a recipe? Load a show on your iPad about cooking in the kitchen. Watch a Giant’s baseball game in the patio? Stream it live on your Samsung Pad. Have a natural history homework assignment? Watch Natural Geographic streaming video at your bedroom desk. Can’t watch an HBO movie right now on your flat panel wall TV in the living room; schedule it to record on your DVR.
Streaming Video Media Will Prosper for Three Reasons
Mobile Devices and Wireless Network Growth
Apple and other computer/mobile device technology manufacturers have released high-resolution tablet computers, smartphones and other video devices. Combined with high-speed broadband, wireless routers and 3G/4G wireless networks, “wired” media companies, like Comcast, AT&T and Verizon, now can offer live, on-demand and recorded video programming. Competitors for the home entertainment and business productivity markets emerge daily.
Consumers Want Streaming Media Mobility
Now that consumers and mobile business professionals have adopted smartphones, they’re demanding larger screens found in tablet computers for mobile news, entertainment and business applications. MobiTV and other mobile content companies have already found a market through the carriers for paid streaming video. Consumers are now demanding larger displays to enhance the viewing experience.
Video Media Content Rights
Video production and distribution companies want increased revenues through alternative media channels like tablets. Netflix, Amazon and dozens of streaming video distributors are aggressively promoting their services on personal computers, tablets and television sets. Distribution partners increasingly are determining product and pricing strategies of media content.
The future for streaming video on tablet computers and other emerging mobile devices is undeniable. What’s clear, however, is that content providers, working through distribution partners, hold the key to the future of streaming video.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Email | RSS | More