Verizon Communications has developed an application that will allow customers to watch live TV shows and movies on Apple Inc's iPad, part of an effort to take its FiOS TV service beyond the living room. Verizon is banking on the new software application, which it demonstrated on Wednesday, as a way to lure away TV customers from cable rivals such as Comcast Corp and Time Warner Cable. But Verizon now has to convince content providers like Time Warner Inc or Walt Disney Co to give it permission to extend live TV viewing to devices such as tablet computers and home appliances. Technically we're done,” said Chief Information Officer Shaygan Kheradpir said. “So now we're in discussions with our content partners.” The app - dubbed “What's Hot” - allows a user to pick the program they want to view in full screen on the iPad from a display of live shows that are popular with local audiences. Viewers could potentially sort options by genres such as sports or news. Hoping for a commercial launch next year, Verizon is gambling on getting media conglomerates on board at a time when programmers are trying to figure out the best way to distribute movies and TV shows.
