TiVo Brings Facebook to iPad, iPhone Apps

TiVo is adding Facebook integration to its iPhone and iPad apps to increase social TV functionality. Facebook’s new "Like" and "Watch" features will integrate with the app to provide an additional way to connect with friends and family.

“When we launched the TiVo apps for iPhone and iPad earlier this year, we did so with the goal of expanding the ways TiVo lovers can interact with people, the web and the entertainment they’re viewing while they watch TV. With this improved Facebook integration, TiVo users can discover things to watch from the new social guide, and can feature their entertainment experiences and choices with their friends,” explains Jim Denney, vice president and general manager of product marketing for TiVo.

“Through full integration with the set-top box, TiVo is defining the future of Social TV by offering a new way for people to connect and interact on the second screen in a way that is fully integrated with their actual TV watching experience.”

Related: TiVo iPad App Makes for Compelling DVR Upsell

By using the "Like" feature, TiVo says users will be able to discover programs their Facebook friends endorse or they can use the "Watch" feature to view what shows their friends are currently enjoying, immediately schedule a recording, or watch live based on those recommendations.

The TiVo iPad and iPhone apps are linked to the TiVo DVR to enable TiVo users to feature the program they’re watching with a flick of their finger so their friends on Facebook can see the content.

The TiVo App will retain its interface and features TiVo search, as well as browse and recommend functions that don't disrupt what the user is watching. As people connect and interact with the social TV features on the TiVo app, they will have greater access to suggested programming provided by their networks on Facebook.

TiVo's app for the iPhone supports all high definition TiVo DVRs, including TiVo Premiere, Premiere XL, Series3TM, HD and HD XL. Series2 and non-TiVo users can still sample the TiVo experience through the apps Guest Mode. Users can browse, search and scroll through program and channel guides and experience the simplicity of the TiVo interface. A valid TiVo user account is required for full functionality.