As revealed a few months back, TiVo is (finally) prepping native voice control. And the retail voice remote is nearing release, given this recent FCC filing and insider chatter. For me, acoustical capabilities cannot arrive soon enough. While I suspect I’ll rarely seek out content suggestions by voice, like “horror movies” or “soccer,” I will absolutely channel surf. For example, it took some time to track down Animal Planet for my daughter (which was a bust) as I have no idea where most channels live (being a long-term DVR owner) and textual search can be somewhat tedious (compared to Mom’s Xfinity remote).
Beyond the new big blue microphone button, it looks like Netflix has successfully strong-armed TiVo into their direct access button requirement (with Apple TV likely being the last and only hold out). Fortunately, that bit ‘o spam is nicely offset by a new, dedicated commercial skip button (that replaces the cable version’s On Demand).
As to timing, I believe we’re looking at a fall release and, supposedly, older TiVo units like Premiere will be able to purchase remotes with a USB dongle to enable the appropriate RF (BLE?) communication.
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I think TiVo's days are almost numbered, but if they want to compete in anyway vs OTT boxes, they need a native OTT streaming service support ASAP. Partner with DirecTV Now, SlingTV...any of them.
Not just another app, but built-in guide solution that is seamless with OTA channels and the TiVo software.
Think they'll add that functionality to the iOS app as well? I use a RTI universal remote.
Not that I have an overwhelming desire for voice search right now -- maybe in a few years when my little one watches TV, but I would have to hope that the functionality also comes to their iOS apps in addition to the new remote.