Comcast Corp. (NASDAQ: CMCSA) and Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) say they will adapt Comcast’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) brand name Xumo as the brand name for their new streaming platform joint venture (see "Charter, Comcast announce joint venture on 4K streaming platform"). Flex, the 4K streaming device Comcast licensed to the joint venture, will be renamed Xumo Stream Box and XClass TV will become Xumo TV as part of the rebranding. The original Xumo will be rechristened Xumo Play.
The partners say the first Xumo branded devices will reach the market late next year. Comcast, Charter, and Walmart will act as the initial distribution channels, although the cable MSOs expect to announce additional distributors in the future. Xumo Play will continue to be offered as an app on other streaming platforms.
“Since 2011, the Xumo brand has connected with millions of customers across the country, establishing itself as a leader in the free ad-supported TV industry for the innovative ways it delivers content to its users,” said Marcien Jenckes, president of Xumo (see “Charter, Comcast appoint leadership for streaming platform joint venture”). “The new Xumo will bring industry-leading streaming and aggregation technology nationwide through its expanding content, product line up, and retailer relationships.”