The Xfinity XiOne is the latest set-top box developed by Comcast that brings the best hardware, voice-technology platform, and aggregated search and discovery to the company's suite of entertainment and connectivity products at no additional charge to Xfinity internet subscribers. The device supports WiFi 6, 4K UHD, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos and comes with a new, concise form factor voice remote designed especially for streamers. When Sky joined the Comcast family, we brought together our engineers to share insights, roadmaps, talent, and technology to support our global customers. The launch of our new XiOne device is a direct result of these efforts and underscores how our collaborative design development approach can bring new and innovative streaming products to markets faster and more efficiently across the globe.
Design Innovation:
The Xfinity XiOne is a Wi-Fi set-top box codeveloped by Comcast and Sky so our users around the globe can quickly access local channels, on-demand TV shows & movies, 20 hours of DVR storage, and hundreds of apps over IP - replacing the need for a traditional cable box. It also supports WiFi 6, 4K UHD, HDR, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos.
Beyond its technical specs, the XiOne's main feature is flexibility. Thoughtful design & engineering helped reduce cost without compromising quality, allowing Xfinity to provide the XiOne to internet subscribers free of charge. Customers can sign up for personalized services that meet their needs and cancel at any time, without any long-term commitments.
Benefit to User:
Running on Xfinity's Flex streaming platform, XiOne not only gives user's access to all their favorite entertainment apps, but it enables control of their xFi internet service. This includes account management, paying bills, knowing what devices are on their network, pausing Wifi access during family time, and even being notified of activity at their front door- all on the TV.
Smaller than traditional remotes, the Flex Voice Remote that comes with XiOne features enhanced ergonomics, premium finishes, and a low center of gravity to nestle comfortably in the palm of the user's hand. It has been optimized for streamers with a minimal number of carefully designed keys that are easily distinguishable by feel. Its simplified layout omits low use buttons in favor of a reconfigurable button to cater to individual preference. Backlit icons momentarily illuminate whenever the remote is handled to improve legibility in low-light environments yet fade when not in use to not distract from the TV-viewing experience and unnecessarily drain battery life.
Benefit to Client/Brand:
The Xfinity XiOne and Flex Voice Remote embody our latest industrial design language to reinforce brand identity. Softened Geometry, Swift Incline, Crease, and Cutaway make up the form equities that represent different attributes of our brand and tie back to our core principles. These elements always make an appearance in our products, making them uniquely Xfinity.
While showcasing Xfinity's latest brand identity on the outside, XiOne shares its insides with European-based Sky's Stream puck.
When Sky joined the Comcast family, we brought together our engineers to share insights, roadmaps, talent, and technology to support our global customers. The launch of our new XiOne device is a direct result of these efforts and underscores how our collaborative design development approach can bring new and innovative streaming products to markets faster and more efficiently across the globe.
Benefit to Society:
The Xfinity XiOne and Flex Voice Remote, like many Comcast devices, were deliberately designed to be refurbished when returned so that its life extends beyond single use. Our robust refurbishment process supports the cleaning, repair, and testing of devices to be placed back into circulation and away from the landfill.
They are also delivered to customers in the Xfinity Eco Capsule packaging that is both reusable and 100% recyclable. It includes the world's first resealable molded fiber pulp lid and is made with renewable resources such as bamboo, sugar cane, paper, and Soy ink with materials that come from responsibly managed forests providing environmental, social, and economic benefits. It's also manufactured in factories that use solar and wind power and recycled water. The footprint of the packaging was reduced by 10% from the prior design and assembly time was reduced by 50-66%- translating to less energy used during assembly.
Finally, given its intuitive out-of-box experience, seamless connectivity, and details such as color-coded cable strokes for easy setup- the Xfinity XiOne and Flex Voice Remote utilize self-install kits that dramatically reduce the need for traditional cable truck rolls with professional installation saving time and energy on multiple fronts.
Appropriate Aesthetics:
XiOne considers what it means to be a good guest within the home in presentation and behavior. It exhibits a soft, discreet form factor that fits conveniently within the entertainment center of the home without detracting from the TV-viewing experience. We partnered with Mold Tech to test custom texture patterns to dial in a surface treatment that resists scratches and dilutes reflections from the TV.
Devices like these also shouldn't keep you awake at 3 in the morning. After hearing from a customer that software updates on older devices would light up their room at odd hours of the night, we deliberately downplay the indicator light on the front of XiOne. When on, it utilizes indirect lighting underneath the lip of the lower housing to emit a soft glow that fades in a person's periphery.