The number of apps offered on Comcast’s X1 platform is a far cry from the sheer tonnage that’s available through Roku or Google Play, but the MSO continues to expand its wares slowly and with little fanfare.
One of the latest apps to join the X1 mix lets Comcast subscribers access the recently launched Xfinity Accessories Store. Customers can’t make purchases directly via the X1 app (at least not yet), but they can browse the store via the set-top box.
The X1 Accessories Store app also lets customers browse Comcast’s range of mobile apps, such as Xfinity TV Go, and to be directed to the Apple Store or Google Play to download them directly to a mobile device.
If customers are interested in purchasing an accessory, they can direct the system to send an email or text message that provides a link to the Web-based online store, where they can complete the buy using a credit card or PayPal.
Like the X1 Sports App, the Accessories Store app is a native X1 application, and not delivered to the box via the Internet. X1, though, has integrated several third-party, Internet-based apps, including Pandora, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.
Comcast hasn’t disclosed how many subscribers are on X1, but revealed last year that it has deployed more than 5 million X1 set-tops.
The X1-facing element follows the launch of the Xfinity Accessories Store in 2013. Though the offerings are still somewhat limited, Comcast subs can go there to purchase items such a backlit remote for X1 for $19.95, an Onkyo-made Sound Bar ($189.99), a WiFi range extender from Netgear ($69.99), High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cables, and a “My Book” DVR expander that regularly sells for $124.99, but was on sale last week for $99.98.
Comcast wouldn’t discuss technology partners for the Accessories Store, but Delivery Agent is believed to be providing some of the key back-end components for it; the store’s FAQ tells prospective buyers to send an email to an address with a Delivery Agent domain if they want to unsubscribe from the service.
Delivery Agent’s known partners from the pay TV universe include Comcast, Verizon Communications, Cablevision Systems, AT&T U-verse, NBCUniversal, CBS, Discovery Communications, Fox, A+E Television Networks, and Showtime Networks.
