Comcast made three major announcements during the Cable Show in Boston.
First off is Voice 2Go, adding a new assortment of features for the Xfinity Voice suite pulled from the smartphone feature set. Next was the next-generation customizable user interface codenamed “Project Dayview” was demonstrated. Rounding out the trio of announcements, the X1 cloud-based IPTV service was also shown. All three services will be rolled out to select markets by the end of this year.
These come on the heels of the company’s plans to revamp its “cap” system and replace it with a more progressive system with higher limits.
Voice 2Go
Voice 2go adds a variety of features to the existing Xfinity voice offering. Xfinity customers with the Voice 2Go enhancement can make calls and text for free when in range of a Wi-Fi network through the free Xfinity Connect, and these calls won’t use wireless minutes.
The service can forward calls made to the customer’s home phone number to four phones or devices through the app. It also sports virtual numbers that can be assigned to four family members. These numbers are also dialed through the mobile app, so users can make calls and text for free when in range of a Wi-Fi network. These new features are available starting this summer, timing depending on market.
Project Dayview
Project Dayview is Comcast’s universal user interface to be used across televisions, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. The new UI goal is to help Comcast subscribers manage their applications, media, sources of news, calendars, and other user-customizable information.
The set-top box will accumulate, aggregator, and manage information from Xfinity TV, voice, home management, and internet sources and provide this information visually on any linked device screen.
The information includes alerts, to-do reminders, emails, personal photos, traffic, social media feeds, voicemails, DVR information, alarm system information, and security video feeds. No specific date on rollout is available, but is expected to come online later this year.
Comcast Goes IPTV
Cloud-based X1, once called Xcalibur, is Comcast’s implementation of IPTV. X1 brings interactive customizable applications and social media features to traditional video offerings to enhance television viewing. The new offering is installed alongside a hybrid DVR with IP capabilities and a RF remote control. There will be X1 remote control application for Android and iOS. Augusta, GA customers have been testing X1 since last year. The system will be first offered in Boston, with other major markets being upgraded later this year.
