Time Warner’s new Android app

Time Warner Cable has introduced a new free app that will eventually allow subscribers with an authenticated cable television package to stream dozens of channels over their Android-powered portable phones and tablets like that graphic drawing tablet with screen.

The TWC TV™ App for Android lets your Android device change the channel on your TV from anywhere in your home and manage your DVR inside or outside of your home.

Other features include:
– Interactive program guide – view program listings for up to 7 days and change channels on compatible set-top boxes
– View a filtered guide showing favorite channels or HD channels only
– Search for programming by title or episode
– Schedule and manage upcoming DVR recordings on compatible DVRs
– Adjust recording start/end times and change save time

Requirements
– Compatible Android smartphone or tablet (see below)
– Time Warner Cable video package at the Standard (Expanded Basic) level or higher
– Compatible set-top box or DVR (Motorola iGuide equipment is currently unsupported)
– Internet connection (WiFi or 3G)
– Time Warner Cable user name and password

Compatibility
– TWC TV supports most smartphones running Android 2.1 (Éclair) and higher
– TWC TV for tablets supports the Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 and Sony Tablet S running Android 3.x. Other Honeycomb 3.x tablets with 1280×800 resolution should also work.

Those hoping to stream Time Warner Cable’s video lineup will have to wait.

“Once manufacturers and cellular carriers begin to upgrade their phones to Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich), we will release an update to offer in-home live TV on these devices,” Jeff Simmermon, Time Warner Cable’s director of digital communications wrote on the company’s blog. “We expect to see those upgrades early next year.”

A brief test of the new app at Stop the Cap! HQ ended quickly because Time Warner Cable’s My Services authentication portal has been down this morning.  That causes the app to generate an error message stating it cannot find a compatible DVR or set top box.  This is one of the problems customers face from online authentication systems.  If they go down, your access to “TV Everywhere” content goes with it.

Simmermon adds that Apple iPhone owners will be able to obtain the app sometime in January.  For now, only Apple iPad owners can view streamed video content.