Subscription streaming service Philo said it has launched an app for Samsung Smart TVs.

A  first-release version of the app is available at the Samsung TV app store, but Philo said  downloads might be delayed until it works its way through Samsung’s servers.

Philo said it was complying with requests from subscribers for the service to be more compatible with smart TVs and provide the same user experience available via connected devices like Roku and Amazon Fire. 

Also: Philo Adds Weigel’s Decades, Start TV to Channel Lineup

“We made the decision to launch an early version for Samsung Smart TVs to allow more of our subscribers to access Philo during the Yellowstone and Holiday season. We wanted to provide increased accessibility to all the shows you love, especially when traveling or visiting loved ones that may not have a Philo supported device,” Philo said in a blog post. 

Philo said the app will give subscribers access to features including a guide and saved favorite shows.

“The user experience is at the heart of everything we do, and look forward to hearing your feedback about what you would like to see to evolve the Samsung Smart TV app,” Philo said. ■

Comcast has launched a beta version of its Xfinity Stream app that will let Samsung smart TV owners use their Comcast pay TV subscription without leasing a set-top box.

Samsung was the first “partner” announced back in April 2016 for the Xfinity TV Partner Program, which uses open standard technologies to provide access to Xfinity TV content and program guides on smart TVs and other IP-enabled devices obtained at retail.

With the app, Comcast-subscribing Samsung smart TV users can watch live, on demand and DVR programming, as well as local broadcast and public educational and governmental channels, all delivered over Comcast’s managed network.

Related: Comcast Launches ‘Xfinity TV Partner Program'

“In its beta format, the Xfinity Stream app for Samsung smart TVs will give customers the ability to download, use and explore the app while Comcast continues to test, improve, enhance and refine the experience to ensure it works smoothly,” said Mike Gatzke, VP of video subscription services for Comcast Cable, on a company blog post.

The Xfinity Stream app is already available for a range of Roku devices, is expected to reach Sony and LG smart TVs by the end of of the year. Also by the end of 2018, Comcast expects to have the app enabled on two-thirds of U.S. smart TVs.

“Smart TVs are absolutely part of our strategy and our vision,” Comcast’s Xfinity Services chief Matthew Strauss told Fast Company in July. “When you look at the video landscape today, there are more choices than have ever been available before at the touch of a remote. It’s a good time to be alive if you like television.”

Xfinity Stream is already available for iOS and Android. 

Discovery and Samsung said Discovery’s TV everywhere “GO” apps are available on select Samsung Smart TVs. They are the Discovery GO, Animal Planet GO, TLC GO, SCI GO and Investigation Discovery GO apps, with new HGTV and Food Network apps coming soon.

“Discovery’s iconic content is a big hit on connected devices and we are thrilled to be able to connect with even more viewers via Samsung’s Smart TVs,” Karen Leever, EVP and GM of Digital Media, Discovery, said in a release. “Samsung Smart TVs provide an ideal platform for superfans to catch up with and tune into their favorite Discovery series anytime, anywhere.”

“We are excited to partner with Discovery to offer our customers more options to instantly access quality, family-friendly programming on their Samsung Smart TVs,” said Salek Brodsky, Vice President of Content and Services for Samsung Electronics. “With the integration of Discovery’s TV Everywhere “GO” apps, we’re able to expand our Smart TV platform even further and cater to Discovery’s dedicated audience, all while delivering their latest and greatest shows in stunning picture quality.”

Discovery TV-everywhere GO apps launched in 2016 and are also available on Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Chromecast and Xbox One

Disney’s ESPN and Freeform networks will offer their respective apps to Samsung Smart TVs, the companies announced Wednesday.

The agreement calls for the ESPN and Freeform apps to be available to 2017 Samsung Smart TVs beginning today, according to Disney. The ESPN app will be accessible to Samsung Smart TVs made prior to 2017 at a later date, while the Freeform app is currently available to all models, said Disney. 

In addition to today’s launch, the apps are also accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets and streaming devices to fans that receive their video subscription from an affiliated provider, said the company.