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When it does launch, the Next-Gen Platform will deliver all of a user’s content to “managed” set-top boxes powered by Linux and Android TV, as well as “unmanaged” devices like Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. The OS-agnostic approach will let users access shows and movies from both cable providers and streaming services — Netflix is used specifically in promo images — on Apple TV, iPhone, MacBook, and more.
This means that TiVo’s platform isn’t a new cord-cutting service of its own, but something that cable and streaming operators will have to choose to integrate into their existing services for customers to gain access.
TiVo’s Next-Gen Platform allows providers to deliver content to customers where they want to watch it, whether on managed set-top-boxes, such as Linux and Android TV; unmanaged bring-your-own devices, such as Apple TV and Amazon Fire; as well as mobile and web. Our Next-Gen Platform gives operators rapid agility for faster time to market and scalability, while subscribers enjoy a greater level of personalization across content sources and devices.
Specifically, operators will be able to integrate the platform on managed set-top boxes with TiVo for Linux and TiVo for Android TV. The company said this cloud-powered software will offer TiVo’s personalized recommendations, voice commands, and the Next-Gen Platform’s main hook of integration across other devices for a multi-screen experience.
The other parts of the platform include TiVo for Streamers and TiVo for Mobile, which will be apps that offer the same features and experience as the set-top boxes, but delivered to Apple TV, Fire TV, iPhone, Android, and more. For the smartphone app, TiVo said that it will be able to “support multiple use cases,” from a standalone, cloud-enabled Internet Protocol television (IPTV) app separate from the user’s set-top box, as well as a hybrid app that could be more of a companion experience to TiVo’s big-screen apps.
TiVo argues that the Next-Gen Platform will “help operators reduce churn, drive customer engagement, stay ahead of the competition and own the customer experience,” but at this time no partners have been confirmed to support the future service. With CES starting next week on January 9, more information about TiVo’s new platform is expected to be coming soon.
