New AT&T U-Verse Features Coming

I check in occasionally on the U-Verse Users Forum, an unofficial site covering AT&T’s IPTV service. There are two interesting things I found today. First is a map showing where U-Verse service is available across the US. I’d show it here, but you have to register on the site to view it and the lawyers would probably be unhappy if I provided a workaround. On my more ambitious days, I contemplate trying to create a map that shows service coverage of all broadband operators and where specific service features (like DVR and whole-home DVR) are available. Some day I’ll find the time.The second thing I found was a list of future applications AT&T has publicly stated it will deploy for U-Verse customers. Maybe none of the applications are particularly surprising, but how many operators commit publicly to new features?

• U-verse Voice: coming 2007, it will be integrated into the U-verse TV service by having caller ID information display on your TV screen when people call
• Multiple HD Streams by the end of this year
• Whole-Home DVR: setup recordings from any TV and watch recorded content from any TV
• Photo Sharing: Access your digital photos from your AT&T Yahoo! online albums on your TV
• Games: Play single or multi-player games from AT&T Yahoo! Games on your TV
• U-bar: Access weather, sports, stock, or traffic information on-screen while watching a program
• YELLOWPAGES.COM Information: search for local business information on YELLOWPAGES.COM and see maps from your TV

In related AT&T notes, new U-Verse users can still get free HD service (on Motorola set-tops) if they sign up between now and June 30^th.