CES 2016: Shaw Puts Comcast’s X1 to Work

Taking its licensing of Comcast’s X1 platform to the next level, Canada’s Shaw Communications has launched FreeRange TV, a new mobile video app for its 2.6 million video subs.

Early on, Shaw is offering the FreeRange TV app on iOS (version 8.0 and up), and Android (4.0.3 and up) mobile devices to its cable and satellite TV subs.

The app, which supports live TV, VOD and video downloading, uses Comcast’s X1 platform, which is also designed for IP-capable set-top boxes. The deployment comes about six months after Shaw announced it would trial X1. U.S. MSO Cox Communications is licensing the cloud-delivered X1 for a new national next-gen video platform.

“FreeRange TV uses Comcast’s world-class X1 platform – the latest in cloud-based and mobile video technology – and represents the first step in the evolution of Shaw’s new television product roadmap,” said Brad Shaw, CEO of Shaw, in a statement. “FreeRange TVTM stands out by offering you access to all the content you love in one place without requiring you to switch between apps or services.”

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