Verizon hints at Apple deal with iPad TV app

(Update: video) Verizon provided a surprise to subscribers by previewing an iPad app for FiOS TV. The initial app will provide live, streaming TV to existing FiOS TV subscribers using the same technology that underpins the fiber optic network's set-top hardware. It will require Wi-Fi at home at first to use existing Verizon Internet access as a way of authenticating the connection.

A launch will depend on when enough channel providers are onboard, although Verizon doesn't foresee problems since it already requires existing TV service. Early next year is considered likely. Carrier CIO Shaygan Kheradpir didn't mention if or when video on 3G or outside Wi-Fi services, or video timeshifted through a DVR, would be options.

A new cloud-based media manager is coming that will give customers 70GB of space for media they could stream directly to a computer, handheld or TV set-top box.

In tandem with the iPad app, Verizon also promised a new movie video puchase and rental service designed to work across both desktops and mobile. The platform will give access to movies through the web, a FiOS TV box or a smartphone with re-downloads for as many as five different devices and within any rental windows.

Verizon expects to launch its VOD service in the fall initially on the Droid X, Droid 2, the BlackBerry Storm and Windows Mobile 6.5 devices, but it unusually planned to extend the option to the iPhone and other hardware it doesn't necessarily offer itself.

The surprise plans for iPad and iPhone support only further escalate rumors that Verizon is readying itself for official support of CDMA-based Apple devices. Apple is not only believed to be in mid-testing for a CDMA iPhone but also has separate activation code that may treat CDMA iPhones and EVDO iPads differently. The provider has remained non-committal in public, but signs have emerged that it may have the option soon as AT&T has prepared for non-exclusivity it hasn't seen as a factor in the past. [via NewTeeVee]

By Electronista Staff

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