FiOS TV gets Android and Win Mobile remote apps

Verizon today gave FiOS TV viewers an uncommon option of using their smartphones to steer the service. Apps for both Android and Windows Mobile turn either into remote controls and provide much of the onscreen and physical functionality of the regular FiOS remote: besides navigating playback, they can be used to schedule the DVR or set parental controls. The app also serves as a small-scale media server as photos can show on the TV by using the FiOS set-top box as a conduit.

Other touches also integrate the TV and phone in subtler ways, such as muting the TV when a call comes in or exporting a favorite channel list from the FiOS box to the phone. Pairing is relatively simple and requires just connecting the smartphone to local Wi-Fi as well as picking the phone and its number from a FiOS TV widget.

Using the mobile remote so far requires either a Motorola Droid or HTC Imagio, although Verizon promises that more phones will get support in the near future. It should roll out on the fiber TV service this week.

By Electronista Staff