By way of Fierce Cable, we learn TiVo is seemingly posed to introduce voice recognition and control. Jeff Klugman, EVP and general manager of products and revenues for TiVo, said “I don’t know” when questioned whether the company would build a TiVo app for the Apple TV. Klugman also pointed out that TiVo offers a … Read more
While Belkin’s WeMo is largely a closed smarthome ecosystem, with a questionable history in terms of performance and security, I found $40 for three “connected” bulbs and mini hub too good a deal to pass up. So, at the very least, the two lamps I have on old school mechanical timers will be getting an wireless upgrade (and CFL > … Read more
In response to TiVo’s IBC press release, we’ve received several inquiries. And I’m here to tell you: the TiVo Lite isn’t for us. Which is OK.
Incorporating technologies from Cubiware, Digitalsmiths and TiVo, TiVo Lite answers operators’ call for distinctive, next generation multi-screen experiences which can be used to improve their competitive position while also being very cost effective to deploy. Built on Cubiware’s CubiTV middleware, TiVo Lite enables TiVo’s award-winning experience on a range of low-cost STBs.
The Cubiware acquisition was all about getting a toehold in less TV-centric overseas markets with a more simplistic set-top. And, in short order, TiVo has obviously integrated the TiVo interface, if not full fledged, tricked out DVR capabilities, onto Cubi’s middleware. What we’re looking at is something akin to Evolution Digital’s TiVo-skinned DTA… which they themselves may be running Cubiware … with TiVo.
Could use a little help here… A few weeks back, the SONOS S100 passed thru the FCC. Sadly, there is very little useful information to anyone outside of engineering and compliance. I’ve wondered if it could be a Boost update to integrate Apple HomeKit and Siri voice control – wouldn’t that be nifty? (Especially since I unloaded … Read more
A third generation DISH Hopper just broke cover at the FCC. The second gen model won CES 2013 Best of Show by building upon automatic recording and commercial skip with newly integrated Slingbox capabilities. As to the incoming model, we don’t have much to go on as the juiciest parts of the filing are confidential. Given the previously announced 4k Joey DVR extender, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to suspect the Hopper 3 might similarly include UHD capabilities – it’s all the rage these days.
As expected, a NEW Apple TV has been unveiled … clocking in at a comparatively hefty $149-199. Yet, with brand recognition and that shiny, shimmery interface, they’ll surely move many when they go on sale next month.
Apple TV highlights include the redesigned remote, featuring a glass covered gesture area and Siri voice control, along with what appears to be a full-fledged App Store.
Neither of these features are unique to aTV, but Apple has more reach than most and the Siri interactions go well beyond Roku and Fire TV’s universal voice search in terms of opening apps, pulling up the weather, and natural language interaction (more akin to Xfinity, believe it or not). As to the newly introduced finger tip control, having directed my Fire TV, Xbox One, and even existing Apple TV via their respective gesture-based smart phone apps … I don’t particularly care for it, finding increased utility via discrete actions and tactile feedback. But Siri does look strong. Real strong.