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.

Recommended Videos

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.

Please enable Javascript to view this content

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

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…
This 9.1.2-channel Samsung soundbar just dropped below $1,000
The Samsung HW-Q910D Series Soundbar w/ Rear Speakers.

Not every household can afford the financial splurge required of a wired Dolby Atmos home theater system. Fortunately, companies like Samsung are aware of budget and expertise limitations, which is why we have products like the incredible Samsung HW-Q910D 9.1.2ch Soundbar. And right now, this complete Dolby Atmos setup is on sale:

For a limited time, you’ll be able to purchase this soundbar system through Samsung, Crutchfield, and B&H Photo-Video for only $900. The full MSRP on this model is $1,300. It’s one of the best soundbar deals we’ve seen in a while, so don’t miss out!

Read more
This 50-inch Amazon budget TV just got a nice discount
The Amazon Fire TV 50-inch Omni Series 4K TV on a white background.

Bells and whistles are nice and all, but when it comes to TVs, sometimes you just want a solid 4K LED that won’t break the bank and has a decent picture. Fortunately, brands like Amazon have got you covered in this regard. As a matter of fact, we came across an excellent offer on an Amazon TV while looking through Amazon deals:

For a limited time, when you purchase the Amazon 50-inch 4-Series 4K Smart TV on Amazon, you’ll only pay $320. The full MSRP on this model is $400. Double check the shipping dates -- the TV could ship in time for the Super Bowl!

Read more
The 8 best TVs for gaming in 2025, as vetted by our experts
LG G4 OLED

There are lots of excellent TVs out there that are just fine for watching cable or streaming Netflix. But if your screen needs are a bit more video-game-inspired, it’s in your best interest to invest in a TV that’s tailor-made for gaming. While this doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll need to spend an arm and a leg for a TV that plays nicely with your Xbox or PlayStation, there are a few essentials you should be on the lookout for, especially when it comes to HDR performance, input lag, and response times. 

While noteworthy TV brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG all produce TVs that are designed to handle all your console and PC gaming needs, brands like Hisense and TCL offer a couple of more budget-friendly offerings, too. Our TV experts spent more than 200 hours testing TVs this year, giving us the expertise we need to put together this roundup of all the best gaming TVs you can buy. Here are some of our recommendations.

Read more