Comcast launched their Xfinity Stream app on Roku, Roku Smart TVs, and some Samsung Smart TVs earlier this year which gives Xfinity subscribers the ability to stream their cable subscription on their own streaming device.
The interface is nearly identical to that of the standard Comcast X1 set-top box.
In an article in Fast Company, Comcast shared that they plan to roll it out to additional devices in the near future. They expect it to be on Sony and LG Smart TVs by the end of 2018.
Comcast’s Xfinity Services Chief, Matthew Strauss, feels Smart TVs are part of the company’s future:
“Smart TVs are absolutely part of our strategy and our vision. When you look at the video landscape today, there are more choices than have ever been available before at the touch of a remote. It’s a good time to be alive if you like television.”
The company also shared that they are actively developing the service Apple TV, Fire TV, Android TV, and ViZIO SmartCast.
While it may surprise some that Comcast is moving away from requiring customers to have their own set-top box, it makes converting customers that much easier.
Customers can now subscribe without installation (except for high speed internet) and can add additional rooms without having to run additional cable lines.
While the service is currently free while in Beta, it will be $7.95 a month (as compared to $9.95 for a set-top box) if a streaming device is used for an extra room in the future.
The Company Also Plans to Roll-Out New Features to the X1 Platform
Strauss also shared some new features coming to X1 devices in the near future.
- Instant On-Demand: Making shows available on-demand the moment they begin airing live.
- OTT subscriptions: The ability to subscribe to niche services like Acorn TV (British Television) and Curiosity Stream (science documentaries)
- Movies Anywhere: Syncs movie purchases on Amazon, iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, and Fandango Now so you can watch for free on X1.