The Xfinity X1 entertainment operating system (ooh, what a catchy name) is Comcast’s new platform, which they have been developing since 2010 using the Open Source Linux Platform as their base. This allows them to have multiple products that can run on their version of Linux. Along with this, what it means is that after the OSP has been built and deployed to all of their devices (or what they call “gateways”), Comcast will continue to develop and fix bugs on the OSP, but what we pay for is the device/applications each gateway can offer.
The Xfinity X1 operating system powers the Xfinity x1 cable boxes (gateways) and its applications such as Netflix, YouTube, etc.
You can think of it like this: Apple has iOS, Google has Android. Comcast has X1. Calling it their platform allows them to add new features when they please and whatnot.
You can also think of the Xfinity x1 cable box as a computer, just with what is installed, what you use, and what hardware it runs on is what they have deemed “safe” for you to view TV on. Comcast estimates that more than 60% of its customers have been using the new x1 platform in recent months.
What is the Xfinity X1 Entertainment Operating System?
Simply what it says is a SYSTEM that combines what your cable box does with what’s happening outside. Comcast has been using their set-top boxes for years now; what makes them different from all the rest is that they run an OSP (operating system) that allows common online apps to be used without the need of a computer what Comcast has dubbed a “second screen.”
They have also said that if they decide what is best for us and what the TV industry is going through in the future, they can update their OSP instead of making you buy new hardware. What this means is that Comcast can use your Cable Box as a tracking device to what you watch and what you don’t (for what we can assume is to target better what they advertise), along with what hardware you own and what websites you go on, though under the guise of “helping” make sure their services are compatible.
What does it mean for users and the future?
Well, what this means is that even though you have a computer at home or whatnot with what you think are “necessary” apps installed on them, Comcast’s OSP has most of what you need.
Combined with features present in Xfinity mobile, it means that Comcast will have to track what you watch, what you do online, what hardware you use, and what you purchase.
It allows the X1 to be connected with what they call “home security,” which in reality can be used for spying on their customers to see what they are doing inside their homes if the X1 mobile service is what they use.
It also has what can be considered a “parental control” feature that won’t allow kids to watch what Comcast deems inappropriate. Still, in reality, it’s what they want you to think to make you buy Xfinity mobile services for your family.
Comcast combined what is called a voice remote what allows them to make calls with what they say is “true” two-way communication, what they call Xfinity Voice. What it means is that Comcast can now track what you watch, what you do online, what devices you own through the option of carrier billing on your phone bill, as well as what you purchase and what your demographics are through what they call “targeted advertising” all without you even knowing what is going on.
The X1 also has what can be considered a health feature, what Comcast calls Xfinity Health. It means that Comcast wants to track what we do as we are in a clinical setting and what hardware we have that they deem “necessary” to what is needed to be healthy.
The X1 also has what Comcast calls a Wi-Fi Hotspot. What it means is that Comcast can track what you do online even if you don’t have their services meaning they know what websites you visit, what apps are on your phone, what files are being shared, what hardware you have, what websites you visit.
They also claim what they call Cloud DVR. What it means is that Comcast can go through what you watch when even when it’s not at home, something that could be considered illegal under the guise of “combating piracy,” but what in reality is what will allow Comcast to see what you watch what you download what you do online.