=DJ Comcast To Enable Streaming, On-Demand Content On Tablet Apps
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Comcast Corp. (CMCSA) said it will enable streaming of live and on-demand content later this year on Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iPad and tablets powered by Google Inc.'s (GOOG) Android operating system.
Comcast, facing new threats from the rise of online video, is trying to give its customers access to programming online and on mobile devices without jeopardizing its core pay-TV subscription business. It has also held difficult negotiations with programmers who have pressed for additional compensation from the cable company in order to show their content on new, digital platforms.
The nation's biggest cable provider said it will roll out a feature for its Xfinity TV iPad app that will allow users to watch on-demand content anywhere there's a wireless connection. It also noted that customers would be able to watch live news, TV shows and movies in their homes "later this year."
"Live streaming and the play now feature on our Xfinity TV app are two important pieces of our strategy to deliver any content to any device, any time," said Chairman and Chief Executive Brian L. Roberts.
In October, Comcast said its third-quarter earnings fell 8.2% amid a summer slowdown in subscriber growth as well as costs related to its deal for General Electric Co.'s (GE) NBC Universal.
Shares of Comcast were recently down 0.4% to $22.36. The stock has risen 34% in the past year.
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