Verizon ties cell phone to TV service

By Mike Robuck

August 20, 2009

 

Verizon is hard at work tying its cell phone service more deeply into its FiOS TV service, according to a recent demonstration.

Dow Jones reported that yesterday Verizon demonstrated how a program for cell phones allows them to serve as remote controls. Using the phone, a Verizon subscriber can navigate or type words. The program is slated to be released over the next three months and will require Wi-Fi access.

The program is designed to work with Verizon wireless phones, but a Verizon employee said it could branch out to other carrier devices.

One of Verizon’s strengths against cable and satellite service providers is its wireless service, but so far it hasn’t been able to cash in like AT&T has with Apple’s iPhone.

According to Dow Jones, Verizon also showed an upgrade for its FiOS TV service that included a recommendation engine for VOD, targeted ads based on geography, portals for HBO and Showtime, and additional widgets.

Earlier this year, Verizon announced a version of its own “apps store” that is similar to Apple’s, as well as TV widgets.