Verizon updated its FiOS Mobile application for iPad, which now streams 75 channels of live TV. Unlike some of the mobile experiences Verizon has released in the past, using the new application doesn’t require that you install software on your Mac or PC to act as the intermediary - instead, everything streams directly from the Verizon router in your home.
I was drinking away from the computer last night when the app was first pushed out, but this morning I’ve finally been able to test it thanks to the holiday downtime. The mere fact that I’m writing about the application right now is a testament to its success – it’s keeping the kid busy!
One major caveat, before you get too excited: Verizon says that Live TV option will only work with HD set-top boxes. Standard definition set-top boxes are not able to communicate with the remote control application, but of course, upgrading is always an option. You’ll also need a Verizon user ID and password (like what you use to log into HBO GO) as well as FiOS Internet and TV services.
The new app includes the top cable channels across categories like entertainment, info and education, music, family/movies, kids, people and culture, pop culture, sports and women, as well as premium channels (for subscribers) such as HBO, Cinemax, IFC, and Epix. (See the complete list at the bottom of this post).
Note that the FiOS Mobile app doesn’t provide streaming access to local channels like NBC, ABC, CBS or FOX, however. It also won’t include all the channels you have access to on your current FiOS subscription due to licensing concerns, but 75 is a healthy start for this sort of application.
For Parents
Parents who are planning to use the app with the children should take note of the pop-up that appears upon first launch asking you if you want to enable parental controls. This feature lets you configure a four-digit PIN number to control access to adult content, much like the FiOS set-top box does today. However, setting the PIN may give parents a false sense of security – the PIN alone doesn’t enable the content restrictions they may want. By default, it’s set to “ages 18 or older,” which is the first step down from the “all ages” option.
For younger children, parents will need to go into the Settings section (the bottom right button) and then choose between ages 17+, 13+ or 7+. I was surprised that there wasn’t an option to choose only “TV G” content, especially considering how useful this app would be as an alternative to constantly having kiddie cartoons on, but maybe Verizon is sending American parents a message: toddlers shouldn’t be watching unsupervised TV. Fine then.
Live TV
The Live TV channels are displayed in a grid-like pattern, and you can tap buttons at the top to sort them by channel or filter by category. A search box is also available, if you’re looking for something specific. This is arguably an easier interface to use than the TV remote and TV guide on your big screen, but then again, I’m speaking from a mobile-first mindset when I say that. If you’re old-school and prefer a more traditional guide, you can switch over to that section of the app instead. The Live TV guide also lets you swap from the grid view to a list-like view, if you choose.
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