Top Comcast Headlines for 2014

Throughout 2014, Comcast has been busy unveiling new products and services as well as making notable upgrades to existing ones, much to the delight of all their subscribers. There has also been a series of announcements related to their community involvement and initiatives to strengthen that commitment.

Here is a look at some of Comcast’s most defining headlines of 2014:

 

The Launch of X1 DVR with Cloud Technology

 

In February, Comcast announced that new XFINITY TV customers in its Boston region would be the first to experience its highly anticipated platform – the X1 DVR with cloud technology and in-home streaming. With this, subscribers would be able to gain access to their DVR recordings as well as view their entire TV line-up via their Internet-enabled mobile devices, wherever they are. They would also have to option to download the recordings providing the ability to view these programs offline.

 

To coincide with the new service, they also launched a new XFINITY TV app for iOS smart devices, as well as an online portal for those who utilize the technology via their computers.

 

Internet Essentials extended indefinitely

 

In 2011, Comcast announced a three-year commitment for an adaption program titled Internet Essentials – an initiative that would allow low-income families to acquire Internet service for their homes at an affordable cost. It also included the option of subscribers purchasing an Internet-ready computer for less than $150, as well as digital literacy training for interested individuals. The program is accessible in 39 states and the District of Columbia and has been used by over 35,000 families across the US (totaling over 1.5 million citizens). As a result of its immeasurable success, the decision was taken in March to extend it indefinitely.

 

Utilizing technology as a tool to facilitate education is a rapidly growing phenomenon, but over the years a digital divide has been created, as not everyone has access to technology such as internet as readily as others. This project set out to try and bridge that gap, and with the achievements in a three-year span being highly commendable, things can only get better from here on out.

 

Record-setting Comcast Cares Day

 

The organization’s Comcast Cares Day was held back in April, and the response to event was even greater than they could have anticipated. The annual event – argued to be the largest corporate-organized day of volunteerism in the United States – saw over 95,000 individuals (a record feat) offer their services for the execution of over 820 projects. This was inclusive of renovating schools, building playgrounds and cleaning parks. The Civic 50 recognized Comcast as one of the most community-minded organizations in the United States. The list, which is comprised of both juggernauts and smaller business, listed Comcast as the top company within the telecommunications industry.

 

While the number of volunteers was commendable, the global reach of the initiative was also record setting. In addition to the United States, there were also Comcast Cares Day projects being undertaken in over 10 other countries. This list included England, Japan, Spain, and Singapore.

 

Comcast’s partnership for global Wi-Fi initiative

 

Having wireless Internet access on the go is a desire that millions of individuals possess, not just those who subscribe to Comcast’s service. For those who do subscribe, however, their range will soon extend across continents, following an announcement made by Comcast in September. The service provider reported an agreement with European-based Liberty Global for an initiative that will take effect in 2015.***

 

The initiative – signed by arguably the two largest providers in their corresponding regions (North America and Europe) – will allow their respective customers access to their wireless networks whenever they travel. This is mutually beneficial as Comcast is on a mission to hit 8 million Wi-Fi hotspots across the US, while Liberty Global is present in over 7 European countries. It is likely that this possibility will be a hit among both set of customers, especially when considering that in 2013 over 11 million traveled between the US and Europe.

 

Notably, via the Xfinity Connect App, customers are able to send and receive messages and make and receive phone calls without attracting a cost once they are connected to a wireless network, and soon this feature will be accessible to them in a host of countries.

 

The Launch of the Talking Guide

 

While there were a number of Comcast news releases towards the end of 2014, there was arguably none bigger than the launch of the talking guide – reported to be the first voice-guided TV interface in the industry. Made possible through the X1 platform that was launched earlier in the year, the talking guide is set to re-invent the way that the blind or visually impaired interact with their Xfinity TV service.

 

The talking guide operates by “speaking” whatever content is on the screen as the user navigates the X1 technology – making them aware of relevant information being listed on “Guide”, “On Demand”, “Settings” and similar sections, while also providing program descriptions and their ratings. It should be noted that there are plans in the works to make the talking guide functional with the “Search” option, as well as the ability to personalize certain aspects such as the rate of speech.

Top Comcast Headlines for 2014