Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

If only DF could tell us more.:D

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Doesn't mean anything with Virgin, 'almost' means any time between now and Christmas for Virgin :grind:

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Coming soon !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! what a joke

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

You sound very pessimistic howard.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

He's probably still waiting for 'digital text', which my old PACE box told me was 'coming' for years (!)

What sort of app are they doing ? Will it be android and will it have the same functionality as TiVo Commander ?

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Just hate the words coming soon where vm are concerned lol

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Check out the official TiVo apps in the USA for iOS and android. Same as them.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Me to !:(

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Will both versions be released at the same time ? So often these days an Apple version is launched to the minority, whilst the majority on Android are left for months/never for an app. (this is what has happened with Sky and their 'Sky Go' app, Android version promised but has never materialised).

Whatever, it's its just idiotic/self defeating to sabotage a service which many make use of and is a unique selling point of TiVo before an official app is released.

Presumably the reason why new software is tested on a few first is not to only to make sure it works, but to test consumer reaction/experience. Hopefully somebody has a rethink. (Get the impression that more from VM read this forum than the Official Support forum ;) )

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I'm less surprised that the general rule is that apps are released for ios first than I am that Virgin Media's apps are released for ios first given that Virgin Mobile don't sell iphones.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Certainly hope they have a rethink,i have a android phone from vm and it is certainly annoying to see iphone apps before are s

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Virgin Media apps aren't released for iOS first. The Remote Record/TV Guide app actually turned up on Android before it did for iOS

The reason the full TiVo app is coming for iOS first is that TiVo released their app for iOS first, and the VM version is based off that.

Now that TiVo have released an Android version, then Virgin work towards the Android version for the VM TiVo

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Not directly related to the TiVo Commander Android App but since its no longer working with this update and we've not seen anything concrete about a release date for an official app, are VM working to update their Remote Record / TV Guide app as it doesnt work on either of my Android devices.

Samsung Nexus S GED ICS
Motorola Xoom (US) GED ICS

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Until the happy day/year/decade when an Android app appears - why deliberately screw something up which does work on Android and is highly valued by customers. No ones asking them to provide any official support.

I'm banging my head against a brick wall trying to make sense of this :fit:

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

As far as I understand it, it was found that the unofficial apps were causing issues with the stability of the TiVo boxes

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I'm still waiting for the android tablet version of VM TV Guide, they have released one for the iphone/ipad, then the Android phone but nothing for the tablet

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Cobblers. Tivo Commander have never given me any instablity issues - never seen reports of any issues either.

Wish VM would just be straight with us. There's obvioulsly a commercial reason behind this. Can't for the life of me think what it it, as its going to hack off a lot of punters.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

The current iOS app isn't officially available for the iPad. It's iPhone/iPod only

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

What a complete load of MOD EDIT,worked fine on my tivo no probs+i know plenty of other people who would say the same.its not splattered with vm logos is the problem,total stupidity to stop us using that whilst vm slowly(true to form)grind out there version.
another to add to the coming soon list which keeps getting longer+longer

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Its nothing to do with VM logos. If anything its because the apps are using the actual TiVo logo thats the problem.

Also please watch your language.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Sorry thought swear filter would take it out

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

You should also not be trying to bypass or make the swear filter kick in.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Which is of course, absolute rubbish. Are Virgin seriously saying that the only TiVo boxes that are crashing now are those that are used by a handful of users running remote control applications. (yes handful, I'd be surprised if more than 500 people have discovered these apps which are either written by TiVo or use TiVo protocols)

It's laughable.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

No they are not, and that's not what Ben said either.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Rather than create instability with the tivo box, I’ve found the ipad app really helps to make the tivo easy to use. I really wouldn’t want to go back to searching / browsing the guiides / entering text with the remote control. If they don’t release their ipad app around the same time as the new firmware is released then I will have to seriously rethink my subscription!

And hi as it’s my first post, been lurking for a while!

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Really? How should I read the following then?

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Sorry my bad,aint gonna happen again

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Well, at no point in his quote do I see him state that the unofficial apps were the only cause of instability. You seem to have read it that way though.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Exactly as written. I'm sorry if you thought I meant all TiVo boxes. I did not, and nor did Virgin

Nor are Virgin blaming all TiVo issues on the apps. In fact the update is also to improve reliability seperate to the apps issues.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Humn, I can read it both ways now. I understand what you were trying to say.

I still don't believe it though, my box has been no more or less stable since I've been using the iOS app.

I suspect if you were to do a poll of all the people running it, then the results of the poll would show that too.

Virgin have made a pigs ear of the last update, maybe they should have just concentrated on promoting fixes rather than features which then then couldn't (for whatever reason) deliver.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Who says they haven't been concentrating of fixes?

It's not an either/or situation, things can be done in parallel

Also, I personally don't remember Virgin announcing the option for people to use 3rd party apps with TiVo. The previous update notes only say that support was added for the future launch of the VM TiVo iOS app.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I was in the past tense, talking about how they handled the last update, now you're the one having a semantic failure.

And yes, they did say they added support for their TiVo buddy app (and not third party applications as you rightly point out) which you would be able to use to control your box, but the implication was that you'd be able to do it when the new code launched.

It's a failure on their part as if they'd have released the app at the same time, we wouldn't be having this discussion, well certainly I wouldn't because I couldn't care less about the android app!

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

There would of course be no argument had Virgin released their own version of the app. Since several people have managed to release fully working apps from the comfort of their bedrooms and in their spare time I'm struggling with the idea that so much needs to be changed from the US version to make it compatible with the UK Tivo that Virgin haven't managed it yet. Something else is going on here, there's a reason that two massive companies in Virgin and Tivo haven't been able to achieve what a teenager would probably knock up in an afternoon, but I cannot for the life of me work out what it is.

---------- Post added at 16:45 ---------- Previous post was at 16:43 ----------

Thanks for the answer, and fair enough. Any idea why it's taking so long?

---------- Post added at 16:48 ---------- Previous post was at 16:45 ----------

No, that's the reason the app was removed from the android market. Unless you're suggesting that Virgin have withdrawn this functionality at the request of Tivo to safeguard Tivo's copyright?

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

You have to remember Tivo are very protective of their copyright as we have seen in the recent court cases.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Tivo might be, but Ben thinks it's nothing to do with copyright and says that, to the best of his knowledge, the issue is stb stability. I have no doubt that this is Ben's genuine belief, but I suspect the actual reason is different.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Not having a go at you Ben, but that sounds like a line from the same team that said the VMNG300 can only manage 92meg on the network.

If I was a betting man, I'd wager its entirely down to copyright. I have a distant memory of VM mentioning having to make changes to tivos network sharing functionality because of concerns for copyright (ie, they didn't want people taking recorded content off the boxes and playing it on other devices or uploading it). So I can see them locking down access to only their own very limited apps.

But of course that is silly and removes a useful feature (content shifting). And of course, they could at least be honest about it. Would be interesting to see The Register take them to task for their claims about being open with the platform (100 apps?) and then doing this.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I'd be inclined to bet the same way, were it not for the fact that it's also taking them so long to release their own apps. My money at the moment is genuinely on there still being no sight of this app appearing by the end of the year, or even at all. I just get the feeling that, not only do they not want us controlling Tivo with a third party app, they're not very keen on us doing it with their own app either. But I still don't know why that would be.

I hope I'm wrong, it's a fantastic selling point.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

They were patents, not copyright which I think is different

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

To be fair mate VM have to show concern over copyright after all they buy there content from the likes of Scripps , Sky , Disney Discovery , what do you think would happen if one of those content providers found out people were downloading shows to other devices without an agreement with VM ? I can assure you it wouldn't be you they'd take to court.

---------- Post added at 19:13 ---------- Previous post was at 19:10 ----------

To be fair Andy it's not just VM , look at the complaints on the Sky help forum about the length of time it's taking them to release Sky Go on Android with the last update just saying it would be ready in the winter , I understand it's frustrating but unfortunately these things take time.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Fair enough if it takes time, but don't screw up the workaround in the meantime.

This gets worse if when it is released its just going to be on Apple devices. It does indeed have all the signs of what Sky have done with Sky Go. They have no intention of ever releasing an Android app, just stringing the punters along with 'coming soon'. VM look to be going down the same road. Apple have friends/investors in very high places, this might have nothing to do with 'TiVo inc.' at all.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Lets not be fair-how can I continue to tell you that Sky are rubbish and you should really be getting yourself a Tivo if Virgin aren't supporting it properly:)

Being fair, I do know that things take time. However, if you announce your intention to launch a product then I really think you should either be in a position to do so, or at least be close to it. Frustration doesn't come into it, it actually IS taking too long. What IS frustrating is the fact that they've reduced functionality for users not only before they've released their own app, but before they're even in a position to tell us when it might arrive.

Pretty poor however you look at it.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

At least Sky have managed to actually released 4 very high quality iPhone and iPad apps in the last year.....

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

LOL may take more than a STB :D

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

BTW, it looks like the 'Net Remote' app still works (as does the iOS Peanut app) as they us a different method - not the undocumented MindRPC protocol

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showp...2&postcount=56

Has anyone who has had the update tried my Net Remote? I do not use the same protocol as TiVo Commander, I am using the interface on port 31339 which needs no authentication

http://forums.digitalspy.co.uk/showp...0&postcount=57

Net Remote is still working with the new update

Also this post seems quite balanced and informative about things http://community.virginmedia.com/t5/.../983611#M41989

To me it seems to indicate that the update justed fixed SSL security on TiVo for the apps, more than anything else

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Ben any idea whether the zeebox app works with TIVO as the iPad app appears to claim it does so long as you set your TV service to VM.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I don't have an iOS device so can't check

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Zeebox works on the iPad with TiVo, only seems to change channel. Just checked it to my wife's annoyance.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Sounds like it's using the older protocol that doesn't require an SSL certificate then

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I've just downloaded the Zeebox app and it does indeed control the TiVo nicely whilst being a very slick and smooth app in it's own right!

I've made a little video to show the interface and box control. :)

http://youtu.be/tIgDiKpKtVc

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Thanks Ben for pointing thicko in the right direction.:D:dunce::D

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

You are wrong totally on this one. The app is already available on android in the USA so VM will just be getting that app and customising it just like the iOS app.

---------- Post added at 08:31 ---------- Previous post was at 08:29 ----------

You are wrong. VM really want to take TiVo to the next level and controlling it with other devices and possibly streaming content around the home is also something they are very interested in. Guess they just want to make sure everything works perfectly together before releasing.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I'll be happy to be proved wrong about this-guess I'll just have to be patient!

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

So the Apple and Android apps will be released together ? That would make sense (not going to happen is it ?).

We'll see - i'm betting that something is released for Apple but we'll still be waiting for Android app by xmas. By which time Apple will be hoping VM customers will have had to buy iphones/ipads etc, with a percentage to VM. It's what happened at Sky. Nice little earner all round.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

That really doesnt make sense,vm dont sell iphones.so really should be pushing the android app asap for peeps like me who have contracts with them

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Who said VM are 'joined up' ?

You're right though, the whole thing doesn't make sense.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I'm sure Virgin would have loved to have released the Android app first, but up till a couple of weeks ago it didn't exist, whereas the iOS TiVo app did.

That is ONLY reason why the iOS app is coming first

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Ok, so why not wait until the Android app is available and release them simultaneously. Leave the 'unofficial' working apps alone until the official ones are released together on all platforms. That way no one is left high and dry and you have happy customers :)

There, all sorted. ;)

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Would point out that there are 'unofficial' apps that are still working. The only ones that have stopped it seems are those using the undocumented protocol.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I'm guessing none of the other apps allow you to set records/series links? This of course was the real beauty of Commander, allowing recordings to be set so quickly - and of course while the wife is watching TV!

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I'm still happily using the US TiVo app on my iPhone and iPad. Works a treat and allows full control of your recordings as well as changing channel and setting up season passes etc.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

That's because you've not yet had the update on your TiVo box. When you do it will stop working

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

:( Even though it's the official TiVo app written by TiVo themselves?

Is the update just sent out literally to stop the mobile apps working, if that's the case is there anyway to stop the update?

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

It might be the official TiVo app but it's not the VM TiVo app ;)

I dont think it was the purpose of the update. I think it was bug fixes and a change in ports or security. But as a side effect of that all unofficial apps stopped working.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

That is true Stephen but im guessing the Official VM version will use the same core code and protocols as the US TiVo app that I'm currently using. So blocking one would result in blocking the other. :)

What's the firmware version that has stopped the 3rd party apps from working?

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Based on the posts of someone over on DS and the Community Forum, the ports and protocols haven't been blocked as such, but the TiVo will now only accept commands from a correctly signed app (which neither the US TiVo app nor the TiVo Commander are for the VM TiVo)

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Ok Ben, that makes sense. Is this much talked about firmware being rolled out nationwide as we speak?

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Not yet. It starts on the 31st

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

So is that all the update is including? Disabling a few things?

VM is turning into an utter joke

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Nope, it's also for stability fixes

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

How about some feature updates that seem to be always promised but never coming.....

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

It's very stable if you pull the plug out and send it back to VM.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Is it just for that Ben?

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Pretty much.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Is it just for the smaller Tivo as l have no message about it on my 1TB one.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Nope it is for all. Probably turn up as notification on the 1TB shortly

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Just looking at the wording of this message. It says it'll be sent at 3am between 31st Jan and 9th Feb and pleads with us to leave our TiVo on overnight. Does this mean if we unplug it at night we won't get the 'downgrade' ?
(I suspect we'll still get it when it boots, but I live in hope.....)

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

You will just get it when it boots if it is like the last one. They only tell you to leave it on overnight as otherwise you will have to wait an hour when you first turn it back on whilst it updates.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Ho hum .

Someone has just posted a nice (if basic) android app on the support forum. Works for me at the moment, time will tell if it works after the update.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mck.tivo

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

It will get the update as soon as you plug back in. The warning is more to do with unplugging during a fw update.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I thought the VM TIVO app was due to be released near christmas just gone ? I would have thought they'd have wanted to beat Sky to market with a remote control app.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

So did everyone else :bigcry:

But as every with Virgin, they always take their time, and have decided to spoil everyones workaround in the meantime

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

This is vm remember everything is coming soon !!!!!!!!!

---------- Post added at 22:39 ---------- Previous post was at 22:34 ----------

Think half the country would have unplugged there boxes if they thought it would work lol.
i trust vm now know how unhappy customers are with this downgrade matey

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

On my TiVo box it says the update is due between 31st Jan and the 9th Feb i assume that it is meaning this update DF.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

It is, mate.

---------- Post added at 23:35 ---------- Previous post was at 23:08 ----------

Feedback will have been noted, but I doubt it will change anything

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Cheers matey dont expect it to,just wish they had let us use the app till the official one was available that could be months off

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

not showing the update annoucement on my tivo box tonight,Could it be vm have listened to there customers and cancelled it ?

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I really hope that you're right but I wouldn't hold your breath. :(

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

they have listened before so who knows

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Here's an idea VM - roll out your apps, then remove access to the unofficial ones. Not difficult and everyone's happy.

As another suggestion, rather than wasting time and money developing your own, why not just approach the nice people who have released their free versions, that currently work and ... erm ... buy/licence or simply direct customers to them and move on to some other feature that needs adding/repairing? In the latter case, it would cost you nothing for this useful feature - you know, one that many of us are currently using quite happily now and cost you nothing to develop!

MrB

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

The update will happen howard that is for sure.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

When i signed up with VM they stated that the official app was coming soon, is there a legal definition of soon, they also said in the official forum q1 2012, it now looks like they're gonna fail to keep this timeframe, just wondering if any of this counts as them breaching their contract? Or infringing my statutory rights?

TACky

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

When we got digital TV via NTL there was a holding page that said interactive service coming soon, that was there fr about 5 or 6 weeks.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

I doubt 'soon' has any legal definition, otherwise marketing departments wouldn't be so keen on using it.

The reason I forked out for 2 tivos at the launch price was because multiroom was coming 'in the next update' which was supposed to be March. Then that slipped to November, then 'Soon'. 'Soon' could be years off.

The android app isn't ready - it performs really poorly on UK Tivos* compared to the ipad app (which apparently works perfectly) - so 'soon' for it could be months.. especially if they've got to perform the arduous task of turning the background red..


* Well, not at all since the update.. gee thanks VM.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Some honest and open feedback from Nick @ VM here when I asked about Multiroom in a thread at the support forums, pretty much what we thought, ie it all works, but they are discussing the rights.

http://community.virginmedia.com/t5/.../590535/page/7

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

And the best way to do it as a product i.e. how to connect the two together in a way that's suitable for all customers.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

That's understandable especially as the Tivo is a mass market product, it is a pity that they don't have enough gumption to switch it on with out any advertising for those that want to fiddle and as content providers come on just add the streaming allowed flag that is already there.
Such a pity that doing this would inundate them with support calls from people trying to do things that the read about on some forum that is either completely out of their depth or they are to lazy to investigate for them selves.

I do look forward to seeing what solution they come up with considering that I have to implement networking to my second Tivo when streaming is finally switched on any way.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Who needs multiroom or more than 1 TiVo ? Get an AV sender and save yourself some money.

http://www.argos.co.uk/static/Produc...EAV+SENDER.htm

The human race will be extinct by the time VM come up with anything.

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Always nice to read your optimistic posts Mr K.:D

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

Let's just put it this way. I've been 'updated' today. I've had to look in the dictionary as my understanding of updating is not the same as VM's.....

Re: TiVo Commander Android App
 

As well as optimistic your posts are becoming very humorous as well.:D