Verizon Beefs Up FiOS TV App For Xbox

Verizon Communications said it has unleashed an updated version of its FiOS TV app for the Xbox 360 and Xbox One that adds 14 live channels to the mix while also enabling access without requiring users to subscribe to Xbox Live Gold.

Users who tap in will still need to log in with their FiOS TV credentials to unlock the app’s menu of live TV channels.

With the update, the following channels have been added to the live TV lineup: AMC HD, AXS TV, beIN Sport, beIN Sport Espanol, Bloomberg TV,Cine Sony, Cooking Channel, Encore, Showtime, Showtime Extreme, Sony Movie Channel, Starz, Trinity Broadcast, and Universal Sport. With those factored in, the console app now offers 88 live TV channels, Verizon said.

In May, Microsoft announced that it would no longer require users to subscribe to the now more gaming-focused Xbox Live Gold service, which runs $60 per year, for most of the entertainment apps delivered via its gaming platform, including Twitch, VUDU, HBO GO, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, Crackle and FOX NOW, among many others.

For those who stick with a Gold subscription, Microsoft is expanding the titles offered through its Games with Gold program, while also offering exclusive discounts to several titles.

Here's the live TV lineup that Verizon currently offers via the FiOS TV app for Xbox: