Verizon Introduces iPad App For FIOS TV

Verizon has introduced an iPad application that will enable subscribers of the company's FIOS TV service watch shows on the Apple tablet-style computer from anywhere in their homes. Verizon demonstrated the app Wednesday for reporters in New York, becoming the latest company to distribute entertainment to the popular device. Examples of other companies that have tapped the iPad to stream video include Hulu, Major League Baseball and Netflix. Apple also offers TV shows and movies for the iPad through its iTunes store.

Verizon plans to release the application next year. The software, which will be distributed through Apple's App Store, makes it possible to access programming over a home's Wi-Fi network. The app makes it possible to watch a different show than what someone else may be watching on TV through Verizon's traditional set-top box.

Called the "What's Hot" app, users do not get the same functionality available through a digital video recorder. Instead, they can see thumbnails shows being watched by people in the viewing area. Tapping on the thumbnail will launch a full-screen version of the programming available to users based on their subscriptions.

The new app is another step toward Verizon's TV-anywhere strategy, which will eventually lead to subscribers being able to access FIOS TV from anywhere with any mobile device. However, for that to become reality, Verizon will need to reach distribution deals with TV and movie companies.

Along with iPad app, Verizon also announced plans to release this year an application that FIOS subscribers can use to buy or rent movies and access them through their smartphones. The company said the app would be available initially for some phones running Google's Android operating system and Research In Motion's BlackBerry. The app will also be submitted to Apple for approval for the iPad.

Verizon is not the only TV service provider to connect its service to the iPad. Satellite TV provider Dish Network this month released an application that turns the Apple computer into a remote control for a Dish DVR. The app is similar to software the company released earlier for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.

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