Based on a prematurely published blog post, we’ve learned that the refreshed TiVo QWERTY remote leaked by the WSJ and FCC docs is the real deal and presumably launching this week. The backlit TiVo Slide Pro Remote features both IR and RF capabilities that link to a single TiVo box. Beyond the obvious keyboard convenience, when mated to a Roamio (versus Premiere or Mini), the Slide Pro provides an audible remote finder. While the cached post mentions learning capabilities in passing, TiVo’s updated support page elaborates — and the feature previously seen on Glo and Slide remotes does indeed make its triumphant return. Pricing should drop any day now…
Update: The Slide Pro is now available for purchase via TiVo.com and ships in two forms: one with a RF USB dongle to support Premiere and Mini hardware, and one without as Roamio has RF built-in. Unlike the lofty $90 pricing of the original TiVo Slide, both versions of the new model run a reasonable $50.
(Thanks Link & Philip!)