Just yesterday I reported the story about Al Franken and his letter to the FCC and DOJ over Comcast’s On Demand service for the Xbox. And today I’m here to tell you that Comcast is continuing it’s quest for consumer content (and internet) domination by offering a new app to Xfinity customers that will allow them to watch live streaming content on ESPN.
The new app is called WatchESPN, and it’s available free for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users at the iTunes Store. Desktop users can use the app too. It’s not available for all you Android users, but that option should be available in the coming months.
To access the content you just need to download the app (Engadget says an update is needed first) and enter in your Comcast/Xfinity details. Instructions are sent once the app is downloaded. Once completed, you’ll be able to access ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, and ESPNU. Goal Line and Buzzer Beater are available, too, when in season.
ESPN is only the start, too. Later this year Disney related “Watch” services will also be available. The Disney products include: Disney Channel, DisneyXD and Disney Junior. As Matt Straus puts it:
Through the launch of WatchESPN, as well as the overall multi-year Disney relationship we announced earlier this year, we are providing millions of customers the opportunity to get more sports and entertainment programming across multiple platforms,” said Matt Strauss, Senior Vice President, Digital and Emerging Platforms, Comcast Cable. “The launch of WatchESPN is the first of many launches that we will partner on with Disney, further reinforcing our TV Everywhere commitment.
WatchESPN is now available to over 40 million subscribers, thanks to the deal struck between Comcast and The Walt Disney Company in January 2012.
[ESPN FrontRow & Press Release via Engadget]