A handful of cable TV providers have been working to bolster their offerings in an effort to keep customers content. Among the top requested features is streaming of content to screens that aren't directly tied to our cable boxes, particularly tablets. We can welcome Cox Communications to the streaming club with the recent release of Cox TV Connect.
The app is intended for homes with Cox TV Essential or AdvancedTV packages, plus Cox Preferred, Premier, or Ultimate Internet service. Subscribers can stream 30+ cable and local channels (availability varies by location) to as many as 5 devices at once. An interactive guide provides access to check out the full list of channels, including those that cannot be streamed, and schedule reminders or DVR recordings.
As you might expect, there are a few catches. The first is that you can only stream programming on your home network; that means, no watching TV over 3G or even on another qualified Cox subscriber's Wi-Fi. Of course, changing login credentials when visiting a friend's house could get around this limitation, but that requires obtaining the same user id and password they use for account management. The biggest limitation is in the rather short list of supported devices. Right now, streaming will only work on the Nexus 7 and the latest selection of Kindle Fire and Samsung Galaxy tablets. Unfortunately, Nexus 10 owners are left out in the cold.
Supported devices:
- Kindle Fire 2nd Generation
- Kindle Fire HD 7"
- Kindle Fire HD 8.9"
- Google Nexus 7
- Samsung Galaxy 2 7"
- Samsung Galaxy 2 10.1"
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1"
Despite the current limitations, some of which will get better with updates, it is always commendable when cable providers expose a bit more content to the customers. If you are currently enjoying Cox service and happen to have one of these tablets, give Cox TV Connect a try. It's free in the Play Store, just hit the widget below.
via Engadget