As of today, Verizon is offering customers who make certain new purchases the opportunity to get AMC+ as a free perk. AMC's streaming service provides customers with access to the network's shows, as well as content from other networks and platforms like BBC America and Shudder. For The Walking Dead fans, there's also early access to the series' final season.
![Verizon Fios TV app on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV [UPDATE: comment from Verizon]](https://www.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/verizon-fios-tv-app-box-apple-tv-1280x720.jpg)
Verizon Fios TV is the latest company to do away with [some*] hardware TV box requirements on a wider variety of devices with Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Instead of requiring a Verizon Fios TV box on every TV with which a user would want said TV functionality, Verizon released apps for Fios TV for Apple TV 4K, Apple TV HD, and Amazon Fire TV devices [that allows a user to reduce the number of boxes they use to one*]. These are only the latest platforms on which the Verizon Fios TV app is available. Switching from Verizon Fios TV hardware boxes to Fios TV apps on smart TV devices could potentially reduce a Fios TV user's monthly bill by a substantial amount.
Verizon has revealed its own Smart Display, an Alexa-powered screen that packs its own LTE connection as well as WiFi. Built in collaboration with Amazon, it's the first example of a smart home product made with the Amazon Custom Assistant, meaning Verizon Fios customers will be able to ask for specific account details and get service support.
Today we're taking a peek at what Verizon will and will not likely do in light of the global pandemic and national emergency that is COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) here in the USA. Verizon's released some information on how they'll respond for certain customers, and have given assurances that they're doing everything in their power to keep people connected in this time of increased network traffic. What's important here - at the moment - is the ease with which the "help" Verizon can/will give will be used by the average everyday consumer.
Verizon customers using Fios Internet and TV service were given access to Netflix this week. Specifically those users with Multi-Room DVR Enhanced for Premium service - they were given said access, and were given said access with a single year free with the streaming service. Unlike most smart TV platforms, Verizon Fios users will find Netflix on a TV channel - in this case, that's channel 838.
Verizon has teamed up with SES to test the latter company's Ultra HD platform as part of an effort to bring 4K content to FiOS customers. It's a welcomed move for UHD TV owners who have long waited for Verizon to offer such channels; many of the company's competitors have already introduced their 4K offerings. It is unclear when these tests will begin.
Verizon has announced the launch of Fios Prepaid, a contract-free and credit-check-free way to get a trio of Verizon services including Internet. This is the first ‘triple-play’ prepaid Fios option from Verizon, and gives those who can’t or won’t get the regular service an option with less restrictions. The service is said to be available anywhere the regular Fios plans are offered.
It looks like Verizon may be moving away from its FiOS brand, and replacing it with an all-new cable and internet service, according to a new report from Variety. Sources have said the service will be based on a model that uses a new set-top box based on internet technologies, as opposed to existing digital cable signals. At the earliest, it sounds like Verizon may debut the service in an existing FiOS market before the end of the year.
While cable companies and content providers are scrambling to remain competitive in an age of video and music streaming, Verizon seems to be moving away just a little bit. Although still without official confirmation on its website, users of its FiOS TV service have reported receiving notices that Verizon is killing off FiOS TV's presence on consoles as well as smart TVs. While that does still leave ubiquitous mobile devices on the unscathed, it is a move that is bound to be unpopular with many of Verizon's faithful.
Verizon is upgrading its Fios media streaming, adding complete DVR access to its mobile app while you're away from home. The iOS and Android software, launched in late 2013, was already capable of streaming select live channels, but this new version throws DVR recordings into the mixture too, meaning anything that you've saved to your set-top box can also be watched remotely.
Carriers are being held up to government scrutiny this week. Just days after AT&T was fined by the FCC for throttling data, it's Verizon's turn to be on the hot seat, this time with the New York City government breathing down its neck. The office of Mayor Bill de Blaiso says that Verizon has greatly failed to deliver on its promise back in 2008 to put high-speed fiber-optic connections throughout the city, under its FiOS service. Naturally, Verizon denies the allegation and even hints that this audit might have ulterior motives.
So Verizon is launching a new TV service that allows you to pick just a few channels instead of several hundred. So what? How does that compare to the rest of the TV services on the market today? What we're doing here is taking a run down the networks that offer similar services - the few that do - to show you what the real skinny is. Verizon's so-called "skinny bundle" is supposed to launch on the 19th of April - that's just a few days away. Before then, have a look at this.