Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

TiVo Bolt owners can now watch TV anywhere thanks to a new software update

Tivo Bolt 4K
Bill Roberson/Digital Trends
When we reviewed the TiVo Bolt last year, we were mostly impressed, but there were a few areas in which it was lacking. Perhaps the biggest issue was that, unlike the TiVo Roamio, the Bolt didn’t feature out-of-home streaming. While the older Roamio eventually gained features that launched on the Bolt, such as SkipMode and QuickMode, the newer model didn’t seem to be receiving the same treatment when it came to missing features.

On Thursday, TiVo announced a software update in a blog post that brings changes and updates to a number of models, but the biggest news is that out-of-home streaming has finally come to the Bolt. With this, Bolt users can finally watch both recorded and live programming on the go via the TiVo app for iOS and Android.

If you know you’re headed to a place where internet access is spotty or nonexistent, another new feature coming to the Bolt will solve that problem. While inside their home network, Bolt users can now download programs from the DVR to compatible mobile devices to watch while on the road. Compatible devices include iPad, iPhone, and iPod devices running iOS 7.0 or better, and Android devices running Android version 4.1 or better on standard chipsets — e.g. not Intel or AMD.

The software update also brings fixes and updates to a number of TiVo devices, including the Bolt. Major issues that have been fixed include random Netflix crashes, Bolt models not properly syncing OTA channel-list changes, and the Spotify app not outputting audio when the output is set to Dolby Digital. The update also brings numerous UI improvements for the Bolt and stability improvements for the Amazon, Pandora, and YouTube apps.

For a full list of all the changes across all models in the 20.6.1 update, see the software version information on the TiVo support website. And for more information on the Bolt, see our review.

Buy ‘TiVo Bolt’ on Amazon

Editors' Recommendations

Kris Wouk
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Kris Wouk is a tech writer, gadget reviewer, blogger, and whatever it's called when someone makes videos for the web. In his…
Best Bose Cyber Monday deals: Headphones, soundbars and more
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones.

It's no secret that Bose makes some of the best audio equipment available. One hint is right there on the price tag. Bose products are expensive. Thankfully there are some great opportunities to save money with Cyber Monday deals. We've gathered our favorites below, including soundbars, speakers, headphones and few more more goodies.
Best Bose soundbar Cyber Monday deals

There are multiple options for Bose devices in the available Cyber Monday soundbar deals, including the Bose Smart Soundbar 600, which we described as the best small soundbar in our list of the best soundbars. It provides excellent Dolby Atmos surround sound for its size, in addition to amazing music quality and an easy setup process. You'll have to act fast if you want it or any of the following Bose soundbar Cyber Monday deals though, as stocks may already be running out.

Read more
The 25 best Cyber Monday TV deals on LG, Sony, Samsung, and more
Digital Trends Best Black Friday 65 Inch TV Deals

Cyber Monday deals are live, giving you an awesome opportunity to save on big-ticket entertainment devices like TVs. It's not going to be easy to select your purchase though, so to help you narrow down your choices, here are the best Cyber Monday TV deals for each brand. We're not going to tell you what you should buy, as that will have to take into account several factors such as your budget and preferred features, but these lists should set you on the right course.

Beyond the potential savings, there are some things that stay consistent no matter when you're shopping for a new TV. While 8K TVs have become slightly more accessible, 4K TVs are still the norm, so you should check out our 4K TV buying guide for helpful advice. You may also want to take a look at our list of the best TVs to help you figure out what you want from your purchase. You'll also want to peek into our roundup of the best TV brands to help you select what you want, as TVs from a single brand are generally similar with their operating systems, compatibility with soundbars, and other things to consider.
Best TCL Cyber Monday TV deals

Read more
Best Roku Cyber Monday deals: Save on TVs and streaming hardware
The Roku Class Select Series 4K TV on a media stand.

Roku changed the game with its streaming sticks and boxes. Now any TV can become a smart TV with just a discreet USB or HDMI plugin. If you want to stream your favorite shows from Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video straight on your TV (and that tech isn't already built into it), grab a cheap Roku in the Cyber Monday sales.
Best Roku TV Cyber Monday deals

While some of the best TV brands use Roku for the operating system of their products, Roku has rolled out its own line of TVs. With resolutions ranging from HD to 4K Ultra HD, you'll be able to enjoy your favorite shows and movies with bright colors and sharp details, with prices that start from budget displays and going all the way up to premium screens. These TVs are also excellent for playing video games and accessing cable channels, and our recommendation is to go for the largest model that you can afford -- but consult our guide on what size TV to buy first to make sure that you have enough space.

Read more