Verizon has rolled out a new version of its authenticated Fios Mobile app that allows video subs to search for TV shows and movies with their voice.
The updated app, spotted by ZatzNotFunny, was launched May 11 for Verizon's Fios mobile app for Android and iOS devices. The new app also provides a “More Like This” TV and movies recommendation feature, refreshed keyword search and integrated Rotten Tomatoes ratings.
Verizon has yet to integrate voice search for its Fios TV remote control – something that Comcast now offers with X1 – but the telco is working on a next-gen video platform called “Mallard” that will use some of the OnCue technology Verizon acquired from Intel Media in 2014, according to Variety. People familiar with Verizon’s original interest in OnCue said soon after the acquisition that a key strategic goal is to secure more control of the hardware and software products and tech roadmap that will underpin a next-gen IP video platform – something along the lines of what Comcast has accomplished with X1.
Verizon hasn’t commented on plans for the Mallard project, but Variety said the current plan is to start testing this summer and deploy it to one market by Q3 or Q4. Last month, Light Reading made note of a new IP client box for Verizon Fios making its way through the FCC.
