Verizon is upping its streaming aggregation game, unveiling today a new Fios TV device that consolidates content from streaming services, video on-demand and live TV in one place.
The home menu of Fios’ Stream TV displays all of a user’s streaming apps on the bottom row, while the top row highlights the available content a user can stream with their current plan. The menu is also fully customizable, as Verizon says users can rearrange both the row order and that of the listed apps to suit their preferences.
Users also have the option to watch movies and TV shows in 4K UHD, per a video demonstrating the platform. They can consume content either at home or via Fios TV’s mobile app. Anything that isn’t included in a user’s subscription package – including streaming, music and gaming apps – can be purchased through the Store menu or the Google Play Store.
Verizon is offering additional Google benefits by integrating a Google Assistant voice search and control button into Fios’ Stream TV remote. Users with an Android TV device or Android smartphone can tap into a virtual remote control to browse content.
Smart TV makers are doubling down on voice control to enhance user experience, with Amazon in September introducing more Alexa voice control options for the Fire TV Cube.
The upgraded Fios TV is currently only available for customers on Fios’ 2-gig internet plan. Verizon has currently deployed its multi-gig service in parts of New York City, but plans to extend the offering to the entire city by the end of this year.
The carrier said it will roll out the device to its entire Fios footprint beginning next year.
Verizon is also building on streaming aggregation with +play, the carrier’s subscription aggregation and management platform. First revealed in March, +play has yet to officially come to market, though Verizon continues to add a slew of streaming partners for the forthcoming platform, such as NBA League Pass, NFL+, HBO Max and others.
The new Fios TV offering is a separate service from the +play platform, a carrier spokesperson told Fierce Video.
Verizon isn’t the only company making waves with streaming aggregation. YouTube this month debuted Primetime Channels, a content aggregator within the platform’s Movies & TV Hub. From YouTube, users can browse, subscribe to and watch content from over 30 streaming services.