Guess who read this thread???
I use my IPad to watch HBO sometimes. Have Xfinity on it, also. With xfinity I can watch programs that have aired, but not live tv. I can watch Netflix, also. Have to be in a WiFi area to do this with my IPad since it does not have 3G or 4G. My phone is 3G and it allows me to watch Xfinity, HBO, Netflix, anywhere. One thing you can do with Xfinity is program your DVR(s) at home, from your device. Technically I could have programmed my home DVRs from Chicago with my phone or I could have used my IPad since it was connected to the hotel's WiFi.
I do believe commercials for these features do mention something about subscribers having these services available to them, but you have to be able to connect either with 3G or 4G if not in a WiFi area.