Via TiVo VP Margret Schmidt, we learn TiVo is poised to deploy a “Spring Update” to Roamio, Premiere, and Mini hardware – possibly beginning “late next week.” The DVR maker is once again going with a staggered release and if you’d like to be first, register your boxes here. And, for the first time in eons, I gots nothing on this one – your guess is as good as mine. I’m hopeful we’ll collectively be in for a fun surprise rather than this merely being a minor maintenance release not worthy of mention via my traditional channels. As previously discussed, a highly reliable source has indicated an improved Amazon Instant experience is in the works but it’s looking like June is the current target for Android streaming support. What are you hoping for?
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So, we should remember this is a TiVo OS update, not a tablet / phone app update. So obviously Android support and adding LTE streaming would not be included.
Amazon Prime streaming would be possible, but I am not sure they really would "need" an OS release for that either. And if they did need to do housekeeping to support it, we know the actual app release would be a fast follower, not enabled on day 1.
- I do think we will see a consistent UI presentation between the Mini and Roamio line.
- I am hoping to see some stream enhancements to improve stability.
- definitely some minor bug fixes
- foundation work to support future features and MSO customers
Really, unless they bring architectural changes to stream - I am expecting a non event during this release. At least on day one.
I do think Amazon Prime is immanent, but I do not think it will be done in conjunction with a "release"
Scott, no we cannot necessarily assume that. The mobile OS software works hand in hand with the TV-based hardware. For example, the Stream and Roamio will need updates to allow the greater bitrate range of transcoding (to meet Apple's requirements for cellular streaming). For Android, they'll probably have to similarly repackage, on the boxes, the outgoing stream to overcome whatever security and technical issues they've been wrestling with. Probably some Amazon hooks required in the set-top framework, versus an app riding on top, given my assumption they will similarly leverage DIAL as they have with YouTube and Netflix. But I agree with your Day 1 premise - this housekeeping would occur X period of time ahead of the functionality being flipped on via STB app deployment, mobile app update, etc.
We know they've looked at additional columns in the display and other small tweaks of the UI wouldn't surprise me - we've also been told the Mini would ultimately share the Roamio's look and feel (with RCN possibly having lobbied TiVo to bring the same to Premiere - but that could take longer due to the ancient platform and simple prioritization).
A finished HD UI.