Microsoft does a deal with TiVo - Portable Media Center now supports TiVo 2 Go

Michael Gartenberg | January 05, 2005, 09:39 PM

In a move that surprised some folks, Microsoft and TiVo announced that the portable media center will now be able to sync TiVo content to the device. It's a pretty interesting announcement, especially since Microsoft also announced they are getting into the standalone DVR marketplace and competing directly with TiVo.

The deal makes good sense for both Microsoft and for TiVo. It's a good deal for Microsoft as it provides another needed venue for consumers to get legal DVR content to their devices (although even if every TiVo owner bought one, the product would still have a long way to go for mass adoption). It's important for TiVo as well, as it extends the flexibility of their platform to allow for moving more of their content around and demonstrating features and capabilities not likely to be seen in competing products from cable and satellite companies. Both Microsoft and TiVo realize they have a real common enemy in the guise of cable and satellite companies offering DVR services. It's a case of the enemy of my enemy is my friend... at least for now.