What They Say
At the 2020 CES, TiVo announced its TiVo Stream 4K dongle and started shipping it in May. (What Bob Saw on the Net 17/01/2020) However, the device was based on Android TV with a TiVo interface, but the company has now decided it will move towards trying to put its software on SmartTVs as Roku has done. The firm said in its earnings call that Google’s move to developer better user interfaces for TV on Android make the market space less attractive.
What We Think
I was a pioneer with DVRs when I bought a TiVo box a long time ago. Later, I moved to Sky’s satellite TV to get HD content and that meant using a Sky box and I gave away my TiVo to a family member. The Sky box interface looked very clunky, although it gradually improved and added features. Then, last year, I switched to a Virgin Media box, which was based on TiVo to get 4K while still having 2 boxes in my home (Sky’s Q satellite system does not allow two different sets of tuners as it is based on technology like SAT>IP which uses IP distribution from the LMB).
Anyway, after really looking forward to getting TiVo back, I have not been impressed with the Virgin/TiVo interface or experience. I find myself using a Roku stick to access streaming content, although it is also available through the box.
I think TiVo will be challenged to take serious share in SmartTVs. (BR)
