TiVo finally gets around to releasing TiVo Mobile on Verizon

Proving that a desirable feature is better delivered late than never, TiVo has finally gotten around to releasing its TiVo Mobile remote scheduling program for select Verizon phones -- over a year after we first caught wind of the Java-based app. No real surprises here: you use Get It Now to download the application, and for $1.99 a month you get access to your Series2 or Series3 box through that familiar interface, along with special recommendation lists, popular show charts, and the always-hot "premium entertainment content." Not a bad deal considering that we once thought this would cost five bones a month, but the catch is that only certain handsets are currently compatible, including the SCH-a950, VX8300, and of course, the beloved Chocolate. Sure you could do the whole dial-a-recording before with your Pocket PC phone and Orb plug-in -- and that even lets you stream the swag you've taped -- but the more people who take the TiVo-approved route, the sooner we can put the kibosh on that nasty TiVo Deathwatch.

[Thanks, Dave. Z.]

[sbono13 @ Mar 14th 2007 5:21PM]

If it works on Verizon, it isn't using Java.

[ScOObyDoo @ Mar 14th 2007 5:05PM]

I hate it when operators and companies strike these deals. Tivo should make a Java app, palm app and wm app and just release it for everyone, or just be simple and make a mobile version of the tivo website...

[LordJohnWhorfin @ Mar 14th 2007 5:24PM]

$2/month for SCHEDULING without streaming? Talk about a frickin rip-off.

[Trevor @ Mar 14th 2007 7:58PM]

I used your story on my blog: http://mytechnews.net/2007/03/verizon-wireless-releases-tivo-mobile.html

Linked back to your original story.

[JoshLowry @ Mar 14th 2007 5:42PM]

Will this fit into my Bling Player iced out chain necklace?

If so, count me in! They should be making these gadgets compatible with the popular cases. XD



- Josh

Where's your head at? - http://www.StateOfBrain.com

[malren @ Mar 14th 2007 7:01PM]

Has anyone actually been able to use this app? Every time I try to schedule anything, it gives me a Java error. I can use it all the way up to "Record this program" or "Get a Season Pass." As soon as I try to finalize anything, I get a null point exception error.

"If it works on Verizon, it isn't using Java."

Yes it is. It's just in a special protected area with a Verizon wrapper. It's the typical Verizon lockdown. God forbid we do anything the Almighty Red doesn't first give it's blessing to...

[Alex @ Mar 14th 2007 9:54PM]

Call me a cheap ass, but I'm not about to pay $2 a month just to have the ability to schedule shows via my phone. There's absolutely no reason they can't simply set up a WAP page for mobile users (other than greed, that is).

I LOVE my tivo (best purchase ever), but I really dislike how the company nickel and dimes users for everything. Thankfully, I've got lifetime service, so I'm at least insulated from service price hikes.