Google Takes Fiber TV to the iPad

Google introduced an iPad app for its Fiber TV service yesterday, pushing beyond its own Android ecosystem to embrace the number one tablet on the market. The new app includes program listings, cross-platform search capabilities, and video streaming options. One of the perks of Google Fiber TV at launch time was its offer of a free Nexus 7 tablet to be used as a remote control. Since then, Google has added support for its app to any device running at least version 4.1 of the Android operating system. iPad users were left out in the cold, however, until yesterday. The new iOS app mirrors its Android counterpart except that it's compatible only with tablets, and not Apple iPhones. The app requires Apple's latest mobile operating system version, iOS 6.0. Meanwhile, Google continues to rack up press for its fiber rollout plans, adding new markets to the deployment roadmap including Austin, Texas, and, most recently, Provo, Utah. (See Provo Next to Get Google's Gig and Austin Gets Google's Next Fiber Gig.) The company has also steadily added new content to its subscription stable, with 3net and ESPN3D joining the line-up in March, and HBO and Cinemax coming on board this month. Long term, Google plans to integrate social TV functions into its service with such features as the ability to tune to a channel directly from your social stream, give a "plus one" to favorite content, and connect with other viewers online. — Mari Silbey, Special to Light Reading Cable