Have you ever come across TiVo decoders? If not, let’s jog your memory. TiVo is a digital video recorder and player that Vodafone Ono introduced over two decades ago, revolutionizing technology. Now, its creators have transplanted their new operating system onto Smart TVs with the aim of carving a niche for themselves among the most reputable software manufacturers in the market. Will they succeed?
As technology rapidly advances, more companies are considering the development of their own applications and programs for integration into smart devices. Operating systems such as Google TV, Tizen, webOS, and FireTV are about to meet a competitive rival eager to capture the attention of their users: TiVo OS.
This new user interface, set to be integrated into various Smart TV models, aspires to establish itself as a fully independent platform. To achieve this, it seeks to collaborate with different brands that see promise in this new software. If you want to discover all the details of TiVo OS and consider this operating system for your future television purchases, read on.
What Is TiVo OS?
As mentioned at the outset, before delving deep into the intricacies of the TiVo operating system, it’s essential to understand its origins. Over 20 years ago, Vodafone ONO began incorporating video players into its television offerings under the name TiVo, which could record up to 300 hours of various television programs. Subsequently, these devices were removed from the British company’s portfolio for commercial reasons, and little was known about their existence until now when they’ve resurfaced with the integration of 4K players.
With the rise of streaming, the creators of TiVo took action and, in 2022, announced a new software system based on their proprietary technology, which they plan to roll out in Europe and the United States in the coming months. To accomplish this, they have announced partnerships with Sharp and Vestel, manufacturers of various television components, including LCD screens.
It’s worth noting that Xperi, the company behind technologies such as IMAX Enhanced and DTS, has also revealed plans to collaborate with TiVo in Europe and the United States.
Initial Impressions
According to the initial impressions of experts who have tested the new TiVo operating system, the results appear promising. At first glance, the platform offers a robust content streaming system that provides a comprehensive level of information about series and movies, curated by the company itself rather than relying on third-party sources. Furthermore, one significant difference from Google TV is that TiVo accurately responds to voice and search requests, delivering precise results instead of inconsistent outcomes from YouTube.
The “home” or main page of the interface appears highly intuitive and clean, although some applications were still missing from its virtual store. Nonetheless, the creators have acknowledged that there are refinements to be made, as the program is still in its beta phase. The system will detect user preferences and offer suggestions or recommendations on the main page of the interface.
Another noteworthy feature is that user accounts won’t be necessary, unlike LG or Samsung, and personalized content will depend on each user’s usage. Users can disable applications and control which streaming services appear on content pages.
When Will TiVo OS Be Available?
The first TiVo-powered TVs from Vestel are expected to arrive in Europe in the current quarter. Conversely, Sharp-owned models are set to debut in March 2024. In terms of hardware, TiVo has confirmed that these televisions will feature Amlogic and MediaTek chips. In August, Xperi CEO Jon Kirchner announced the company’s plans to have 7 million TVs with TiVo technology on the market within the next three years.
With this introduction, Samsung, LG, and Android have a new competitor in the market, ready to shake up stores worldwide. The arrival date in Spain is yet to be confirmed, offering the opportunity to test this ambitious software and determine whether it’s truly worth making the switch to this new operating system.