Consumers lucky enough to be owners of Android-based cell phones as well as Verizon FiOS subscribers might want to take a look at the new Verizon FiOS Android App, especially if they want to find more ways to get value for their money. While BlackBerry-owning FiOS TV subscribers have had the same functionality that is now available to Android-users for a while now, the Android’s presentation of the same features is arguably better looking. The same features offered on BlackBerry and Android phones are, of course, still available from Verizon’s own FiOS TV website, but not everyone is near a computer all day long. While some would argue that BlackBerry and Android devices could simply access the Verizon website, having an app simply makes things easier, quicker, and ultimately more visually appealing.
So, what can the new Verizon FiOS app for Android do for consumers? It allows for complete remote management of FiOS set top boxes (STBs) and account services. Remote scheduling, DVR management, and even parental controls are all readily available in a visually pleasing and quick-responding application that can fit into a pocket and be used anywhere and anytime that a wireless signal is available.
Remote Scheduling
One of the tools that Verizon has long-since offered its FiOS TV customers via the Internet is the ability to browse through listings and to remotely schedule DVR recordings. This has proven to be a hit with many fans, and it is not hard to see why. After all, who would not want to start recording the latest sitcom or reality TV show that they heard about at the office water cooler? The potential reasons why someone would want to browse listings and remotely schedule a recording are simply too numerous to count and list, but most people who do this already know exactly why they find it so convenient.
The ability to search for programming may also be very helpful, especially if one is planning on having a guest visit them and happens to know their favorite show but not what channel(s) and/or time that show happens to be on. The search functionality also covers pay per view, content on the FiOS DVR STB, and even video on demand. It is also possible to browse through programs or channels on a per-channel or per-day/time basis, which is handled in a very visually pleasing manner.
DVR Management
Anyone who uses their DVR STB knows that there is more to managing a DVR than simply setting shows and remembering to watch them. Storage capacity is always an important consideration, and Verion’s FiOS Android app allows its subscribers the ability to delete shows from their DVR STB. Those FiOS subscribers that find themselves using public transportation or carpooling may be able to make good use of their time by deleting a handful of older programs that have already been watched several times or events that have already been viewed. Unfortunately, the process is so quick that it will have to be a rather short commute in order for one not to be bored, but there are plenty of other Android apps to use for the rest of the commute.
Managing a DVR STB remotely may also be useful when the STB is use. While Verizon FiOS customers can always pause live programming and resume, some consumers simply cannot wait to see what will happen next on their favorite show. Instead of pausing their viewing experience to manage the DVR, remotely managing it might make better sense.
Parental Controls
Parents might find the remote access to parental controls to be very useful as well. All of the Verizon FiOS parental controls are present in the Android app, from the ability to activate and deactivate parental controls to blocking shows by rating, channel, and/or certain types of content such as sexual themes or violence. Additionally, the ability to control purchases of on demand or pay per view content is available from the Android FiOS application as is the capability to change the parental control PIN remotely. In short, parents have complete control over what is watched in their house and can alter parental control settings to appease guests whether they are home or out enjoying a night on the town.
Aesthetics and Wrap-Up
Verizon’s elegant menus are nearly as functional as they are good looking, and that is saying something. The BlackBerry FiOS app looks good too, but the Android app shows additional attention to detail and the color matching to Verizon’s FiOS menus is uncanny. This may be due to the very high quality screens and ample processing power Android-powered phones such as the Nexus One possess, but it seems that the programmers and art teams went above and beyond the call of duty when developing the Android FiOS app. The swift response of the app is also worth mentioning, and again the hardware on the handful of Android-powered phones may also be responsible for a large portion of the snappy response.
The bottom line is that the Android app is just another reason to like Verizon’s FiOS services. It will certainly be interesting to see the app evolve over time as Verizon’s FiOS is constantly updated.
