Today’s the big day: the Apple Watch is now available.
In the past few weeks, Ooyala announced that an SDK is available to clients to create Apple Watch apps meant for video, and smart remote leader Peel also announced that it would be releasing an Apple Watch app.
Comcast also jumped into the mix, announcing that its Xfinity TV app is available for Apple Watch owners today.
Matt Strauss, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Video Services for Comcast Cable, wrote in a blog post:
Whether at home or on the go, X1 users can now quickly and easily change the channel, manage their DVR, pause, fast-forward and rewind, all with the sound of their voice or a few taps on the Apple Watch. Plus, you can search for movies, shows, actors, sports teams, musicians or speak customized searches into the watch like: “What’s on tonight at 8?” or “Are there any baseball games on?” and you’ll see it on your TV screen.
The Xfinity TV app will automatically install itself on a customer’s Apple Watch, provided they already have it downloaded to their iPhone. When logged in, X1 customers will enjoy seamless control of every X1 set top in the home. From tuning channels and launching DVR recordings to browsing live broadcast TV listings or recently viewed programming, the Xfinity TV app provides fast, one-touch control of your X1 entertainment experience wherever you are.
The term “second screen” is quickly becoming outdated. Between laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and now, the Apple Watch, that’s a whole lot of distraction to deal with while watching TV.