Comcast's XFINITY TV for Android got updated today after more than half a year of silence. The app, which allows XFINITY customers to control their cable boxes and DVRs, received the following additions and tweaks with version 1.4.1.002 (up from 1.2.0.005):

  • We now automatically detect your channel lineup. That means no more fussing with having to select your zip code and lineup before using the app.
  • Select your favorite channels in the TV listing grid to make it easier to find what you want to watch.
  • Use the new keypad to change channels from the TV listings grid.
  • View and tune to the last few channels you watched.

Additionally, ICS support is said to be coming soon - the app is compatible with devices running Android 2.1 - 3.2 only at the moment.

Unfortunately, there's no word yet on either AnyPlay (live TV, extra device required) or Play Now (OnDemand, no extra device required) features, which are already present on XFINITY for iOS devices and allow video streaming. These features should be added in future updates.

As you can see, the UI now contains a new CH button:

Pressing it reveals a handy Keypad, which makes it much faster and more convenient to switch channels without scrolling all the way through the lineup.

The 2nd tab shows a number of previously watched channels - this feature extends the functionality of the Last button on your regular Xfinity remote (or Last on crack as I call it).

Finally, you can now set up a list of favorite channels and use the new Favorite Channels filter to have the lineup shrink to just the stuff you like.

Not a bad update, but after over 6 months of work, I expected quite a bit more from Comcast. Hopefully the development cycles will ramp up and we'll see the ICS update sooner than Q312.

XFINITY TV Remote Developer: Comcast
Price: Free
3.3
Download