Comcast, the U.S. cable and internet service provider, is planning to turn its broadband customers’ TVs into smart home hubs, according to media sources.
The program aims to combine existing hardware and Comcast’s Xfinity X1 video streaming service, to enable both video streaming and home automation services for modern homes.
The new product, according to a CNBC report, will offer video streaming apps such as Netflix, YouTube and Amazon TV. In addition, it wants to let customers control smart home devices that are connected to the home Internet, such as thermostats, smart light bulbs and smart locks.
By positioning itself as a smart home hub, Comcast’s new product will compete directly with Amazon and Google. For instance, Google recently launched the Home Hub which lets homeowners control smart home gadgets and stream YouTube video on the display.
Comcast has built up the cable video X1 platform which lets customers control supported home devices. The new service and product can be something similar to the X1 platform, but tailored for Internet service customers rather than cable service subscribers.
The company has charged aggressively in the smart home market. Its Xfinity Home platform has partners like August Home, Ecobee, GE, Honeywell, Kwikset, Nest, Philips Hue and Yale on board. Last year, it also introduced the xFi Advanced Gateway router which supports Zigbee, Bluetooth Low Energy and the Xfinity Home security system.
Comcast is reportedly considering monthly based service plans, but it hasn’t decided yet which business models to adopt for the new Internet service.
The company currently has about 25 million broadband customers, with 334,000 new subscribers added in the third quarter.