During an informal party inside Verizon Communications CIO Shaygan Kheradpir's swank, 38th flr, Manhattan apartment, Verizon execs demonstrated new tools that will let FiOS TVcustomers use applications tied to live television shows, Internet widgets that access online news and interactive accounts on Facebook (you would have to enter your user name and password through the box), the ability to digest endless YouTube videos, technology that automatically discovers media content for all networked PCs within the home, community-based content filtering and the ability to remotely control the DVR via cell phone.

The majority of this enhanced functionality will use Verizon FiOS routers' MOCA (Multimedia over Coax Alliance) capabilities. Verizon recently announced that it's rolling out new routers this October, which significantly increase data speeds over home coax networks.

Verizon execs also described the in-box applications that FiOS customers are already seeing on their HD DVRs. Using CableLab's EBIF (Enhanced Binary Interchange Format) standard, current FiOS boxes can accept both the standard digital television signal networks are providing, as well as EBIF apps that can be delivered at the same time. The two run simultaneously and allow viewers and "enhanced" viewing and interactive experience. During the Olympics, NBC used this technology to let viewers access medal standings at any time during the event. According to Verizon execs, viewers will eventually be able to use this technology to buy products they see on TV directly through the Verizon box.

For the first time, Verizon customers will be able to browse the guide by what others in their metropolitan area are viewing right now and what was most popular in the same time slot last week.

Using an open standard widget, Verizon is also slowing rolling out a number of on-screen utilities that will let customers access news, weather, traffic and, thanks to the work of a lone Verizon employee, Facebook accounts. Verizon expects numerous third party companies to step in and develop new widgets based on the developers platform.

The updated boxes will also automatically discover all connected devices (wired and wireless) and, as long as folder and file sharing is enabled on each PC, let users view photos and videos and listen to music

Verizon is also set to slowly roll out cell-phone based remote control. Using the web site or a small number of approved cell phones, which includes the LG Voyager and the Envy, customers will be able to set recording schedules, and enable parental controls. The latter means parents could lock, and unlock, The Playboy channel at home while they're vacationing in Aruba.

Verizon's HD DVR's do not come with the capabilities by default. Customers will need to pay an additional $4.99 per box, per month to access the media sharing and Interactive TV functionality.