Comcast, the largest U.S. cable operator, has launched a free app that can turn iPad into a remote control.

Comcast’s Xfinity TV app will enable Xfinity TV digital customers to watch TV shows and movies directly on the iPad either at home or on-the-go in the coming weeks.

The company demonstrated the Xfinity TV app at Web 2.0 conference in San Francisco on Monday.

The Xfinity TV app is a TV guide and a mobile video player rolled into one.

The first version, which is basically a fancy remote control, will be available on iTunes later this week. It will allow users to scroll through TV and on-demand listings, tap on a show, and watch it on the big screen.

“The remote control hasn’t changed in years and this app will enable millions of consumers to instantly search thousands of live TV and On Demand choices and also watch the best content whenever and wherever they want,” said Neil Smit, President of Comcast Cable.

By December, users will be able to watch Xfinity's pre-recorded content directly on their iPads. They will also be able to integrate their Comcast accounts with social-networking sites to share what they are watching with their friends, according to tech website pcmag.com.

“This year Comcast will launch different apps for the iPhone and iPod touch. Next, it will launch versions for the Android OS, and apps with similar functionality on the Blackberry very soon, Tony Werner, chief technical officer of Comcast, told the website.

According to Comcast, in the first iteration users will be able to either watch live TV or tell the DVR to record the series.

“It will not allow consumers to manage their DVR adding and deleting shows, said Werner.

Iphone Ipad ITunes ITunes