Verizon Wireless CEO Dan Mead launched viewdini this morning, a new mobile video portal that sources content from different providers and lets users stream video, search, share and more. Early content partners include Comcast Xfinity, Hulu Plus, mSpot and Netflix. No FiOS TV video yet (ironic), but it’s reportedly on the way.
The concept here is very similar to offerings out from companies like Fanhattan and Clicker, but of course Verizon has a little more heft in the marketing department. Verizon says the app will be available on LTE Android devices later this month, and an iOS version is in the works.
Most interesting is the Netflix hook, given Verizon tie up with Redbox to produce a Netflix competitor…
And speaking of tie ups, with Verizon’s new cable provider buddies and the cessation of fiber expansion, I kinda wonder if they’ll sell off their “cable” biz at some point…
It’s been awhile since I tried Fanhattan, but that’s just a content guide, no? This appears to be a content guide and streaming hub. The real news will be when there’s something that isn’t subject to our pathetically low bandwidth caps. If an app like this were to be exempt from usage caps, I’d instantly cancel my objections to net neutrality.
@Zatz – the whole no-FIOS thing is very odd. Agree that they may be selling off FIOS as it to way too labor intensive for them. Could be attractive to Apple or Google.
@Scott – as a legacy Verizon customers I have unlimited bandwidth. Talk about creating a two-tier society. I feel like a Wall Street banker. (okay, there – it passed. Feel lke myself again)
Scott- Yeah, I don’t think Fanhattan streams from the portal either. Although I know at least one of the other apps out there does.
Alan- I’m grandfathered in on an unlimited Verizon data plan too, but word is that’s not going to last.
Last I heard grandfathered unlimited on Verizon will not survive an upgrade to an LTE capable device. And yes, it’s extremely bizarre that Verizon’s media portal doesn’t support the one service they do run.
I find it rather strange that providers are pushing video streaming services all the while capping bandwidth (and phasing out unlimited plans). Many new phones/tablets have HD screens and chew through data at breathtaking pace. I remember when iPad 3rd gen came out, people were going over their cap in a few hours on LTE connections.
Scott, Mari already has a 4G phone…
Ivan, this is how they’ll generate more revenue. Hook us on higher quality video and introduce data tiers starting at what we currently pay (for unlimited).
@Dave — that COULD be their plan, but they really need to bump up data tiers to 20-25GB. Just checked VZW and 10GB is max but it’s a whopping $80/mo.
Verizon’s unlimited data plans are on life support. They’ve made it clear that the next time you upgrade you won’t be offered a subsidized price if you want to keep your unlimited plan. So you’ll have to pay maybe $400 more for your phone than if you accept a new plan. Unless somebody successfully sues and wins over breach of contract on this or something (and it doesn’t seem likely–its a smart/crappy twist on Verizon’s part), I don’t see anybody sticking with this in the long run… Mari, the good news is you’re already on an LTE phone and upgraded recently. I hope you like that particular model though, cuz you might want to stick with it for a really really long time…
I’ve had my phone for about a year and figure I’ll last another year before the itch to upgrade is too strong. We’ll see, though. Right now I use up about 2GB each month streaming music. If I can stick around that level, then losing the unlimited shouldn’t be too big a deal. Sigh.