In a surprise move that answers a longstanding request from many end users, TiVo at CES 2019 announced plans to release a tvOS app that will allow Apple TV users to watch live and recorded content without investing in multiple TiVo set-top boxes.
TiVo app for Roku seen at CES 2019. | Source: Zats Not Funny
TiVo demonstrated the app, which will also debut for Roku and Amazon's Fire TV, at its booth ahead of an anticipated launch in the second or third quarter of 2019, reports Zats Not Funny.
The app enables access to TiVo accounts from third-party hardware, meaning users can watch live programming and content stored through TiVo's DVR system. This added flexibility will allow users to run the service on multiple televisions without purchasing a first-party device like the TiVo Mini VOX. A software client solution also makes portability possible through third-party streaming sticks.
Currently, the only option to transport TiVo services to a second or third TV is through TiVo's own devices. The aforementioned TiVo Mini is the cheapest offering, but at $180 the solution is hardly ideal for houses with TVs in every room.
According to the report, the forthcoming TiVo apps will be free, with no monthly fees or charges added to TiVo's usual rates.
Users who elect to go the app route will have to cede a few features like 5.1 surround sound audio output and "SkipMode," which fast forwards through commercials. For many, however, the potential savings outweighs those creature comforts.
TiVo did not provide a firm launch date and instead provided an estimate between the second and third quarters of this year. A Fire TV app will arrive first, followed by a version for Roku and finally Apple TV, the company said.