TiVo, the company known for revolutionizing TV watching before on-demand streaming became the norm, has teamed up with BMW to bring its video media platform to BMW vehicles. This integration will come as an over-the-air update later in 2023, starting with BMW’s 5-Series and gradually extending to other models.
The TiVo platform will provide both linear and on-demand streaming services, offering news, movies, and access to extensive media libraries. This announcement follows closely on the heels of Google revealing its plans to incorporate YouTube video streaming into Android Auto and Android Automotive during its annual I/O event. BMW, which already supports Android Auto in many of its cars, has yet to clarify how it will balance Android Auto with the new TiVo system within the same interface.
In a press release, Ingo Lasslop, Vice President of Product Management for Digital Products and Services at BMW Group, emphasized the growing importance of in-car entertainment for customers. He highlighted that the partnership with Xperi will enable BMW to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience, making time spent in the vehicle more engaging and enjoyable.
BMW is not the only car manufacturer exploring in-car streaming video. Teslas have been able to stream videos when parked since 2019. In 2022, Mercedes announced a partnership with Zync to integrate various media options, including videos. More recently, in March 2023, Porsche disclosed plans to use the U.K. firm ScreenHits TV to offer a similar feature in its SUVs.
TiVo, owned by Xperi, also revealed in 2022 that it had developed a smart TV operating system, positioning it to compete with Roku, Google TV, and WebOS.