TiVo was at CES this year (though their giant TiVo wasn’t anchored outside the front of the Las Vegas Convention Center).

And we had one question for them; why can’t DirecTV TiVo units, TiVo’s newest technology, can’t use one of their oldest mobile-enabled features? TiVoToGo enables TiVo owners to transfer television shows from their TiVo to nearly any other device, providing Windows Media and H.264-enabled exporting of recorded TV shows, which are not copy-protected by the content provider.

The problem? DirecTV’s new TiVo HD boxes won’t leverage the feature. Until now, TiVo has stayed quiet on why.

When pressed by PhoneNews.com, representatives for TiVo blamed DirecTV squarely for not offering the technology on their units. TiVo even went as far as to say that they had offered DirecTV a solution that would ensure copy protection requirements for DirecTV, but that the service provider still mandated that TiVo remove TiVoToGo from the new generation of DirecTV-enabled TiVo HD units.

DirecTV does offer its own place shifting technology, Nomad. Nomad is an encoding box that is connected to a home router, which facilitates transferring and encoding of videos. Unlike TiVo, which uses a home PC to encode and transmit videos, Nomad uses its own hardware box to enable transmission of shows to mobile devices, in the proper format, directly from the mobile device.

The downside to Nomad is the $149 hardware cost, but of course, Nomad does not work with TiVo. We asked if TiVo was working with DirecTV to offer a solution that would at least allow Nomad to transcode shows from DirecTV TiVo boxes, and they declined to comment.

Considering the tepid relationship between DirecTV and TiVo, the two were apart for several years from the first generation of TiVo devices… it’s questionable if this will be relegated to the hackers to resolve. TiVo and DirecTV have not been grandstanding sales of the units stemming from their new/returning joint venture.

The good news is, the jury may still be out on DirecTV TiVo. The new DVRs launched only launched 33 days ago. It will be much more likely that TiVoToGo, or Nomad support will arrive if the units prove popular.

Following up on a previous report, Republic Wireless has launched in a limited beta period with the first phone available being the LG Optimus with both the hardware and software necessary to support its heavily touted Hybrid Calling service which currently starts at $19 a month for unlimited calls and messaging over Wi-Fi while featuring access to Sprint’s network as a backup in case of no Wi-Fi service.

Currently, Republic Wireless is also taking suggestions on more phones to carry besides the Optimus with the goal to roll out with a full lineup of compatible Android smartphones. The service does note that excessive usage of the cellular network will result in possible termination of service and assistance to find other conventional cellular service, as the goal for the operator is to provide a viable model for mobile UMA service, much like T-Mobile’s previous attempt with the @Home Wi-Fi calling service.

For those looking to achieve the holy grail of using Google Voice over 3G or Wi-Fi, a new Android app in GrooVe IP aims to simplify the process of bridging Google Voice to get around low voice minutes or as an alternative to dedicated SIP services.

The $3.99 app merely requires the aforementioned 3G/Wi-Fi connection and Google Voice credentials. Previous methods to bridge Google Voice to function over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G data required services such as the discontinued Gizmo5 or leasing another number from an SIP service.  Additional features of GrooVe IP include dialer choices from its own dialer or the integrated Android dialer as well as contact integration. With unlimited smartphone data on Virgin Mobile for as low as $25, this makes the app a must-buy for those looking to use Android smartphones as data-only devices.

GrooVe IP – Android Market

Verizon Wireless has yet to formally acknowledge the Mobile Hotspot issues that are plaguing many users of the HTC Thunderbolt.

The issue in particular is that internet connectivity is lost at random, when on Verizon’s LTE network. Data connectivity on the device itself continues to function, but devices tethered over Wi-Fi cannot load pages.

Currently, the only known workaround is to root the Thunderbolt, and install the Wireless Tether app. Users report that this does indeed work properly. This in turn points to the Mobile Hotspot application from HTC itself having issues with Verizon’s LTE network.

HTC has not responded to requests for comment from PhoneNews.com. The Thunderbolt update released yesterday also has not been reported to fix this issue.

This problem continues over the looming May 15th date, which Verizon said it will end the free trial of Mobile Hotspot. Verizon also has not responded to requests for comment on what offering will be made available for LTE smartphone customers, following May 15th. Customers may face dramatic charges for LTE Mobile Hotspot usage.

Currently LTE is charged at $60/month for 5 GB of usage on mobile broadband cards and devices. It is possible to download this amount of data within an hour, over a good LTE connection.

Mobile Hotspot on Verizon 3G phones is charged at $20/month extra for 2 GB of data, except for the Palm Pixi Plus and Palm Pre Plus, which enjoy 5 GB/month of Mobile Hotspot for free.

Following up, Best Buy and HTC have jointly announced that the retailer will be the exclusive carrier for the Wi-Fi version of the HTC Flyer Android tablet. The tablet is nearly identical to the Sprint version announced as the EVO View 4G, but lacks cellular radios.

Specifications are identical with a 1.5GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, 7 inch 1024×600 capacitive display, 1.3 megapixel front facing camera for video calls, Android 2.2 with a future update to Honeycomb planned, 32GB internal memory with microSDHC slot and 5.0 megapixel camera with HD video capture. Like the EVO View 4G, the Flyer will also support HTC’s Scribe stylus-based input method. Pricing and availability will be revealed at al later date.

Readers have been reporting that Clear iSpots that have been rooted with the web-based exploit developed by hackers looking to use Clear’s service at the $25 special rate, are being actively blocked by network access until the devices are updated with a new version of the firmware.

It appears that Clearwire is using low level OMA handshakes to confirm that iSpot devices that are on the network are unrooted. As the latest jailbreak actively disables OMA in order to avoid automatic firmware checks and downloads, any iSpot that does not complete the handshake is being blocked from network access until the firmware is updated, effectively forcing owners to update to maintain service and breaking root.

Most rooted iSpot users are running an older firmware, which hackers crafted a one-click root method for. However, this method may also block rooted devices running the latest firmware as well. Additionally, while there is a way to root the firmware with the new build number, the process requires steps that may run afoul of the DMCA, hence the relative silence from the principal jailbreak developer on the methodology and process. With Clearwire possibly looking to bring back the iSpot after its initial success, it may have proven popular enough to grab even Apple’s typically hyper-focused attention, with a possible partnership in the works.

Sprint has announced the forthcoming launch of the successor to the Sierra Wireless Overdrive 3G/4G modem in the Overdrive Pro, set for this Sunday, March 20th. The Overdrive Pro increases the number of simultaneous devices that can be connected to WiMax via Wi-Fi from the 5 maximum of the Overdrive to 8 on the Overdrive Pro.

The Overdrive Pro also features GPS support, microSD slot with shared storage support, larger front display with increased information, Wi-Fi N radio and inputs for external antennae to be used with an additional dock to be released later on. Pricing for the Overdrive Pro is set at $99.99 after new 2 year agreement before an additional $50 mail-in rebate, bringing the total to $49.99.

According to the image, the forthcoming Wi-Fi version of the Motorola Xoom will be priced at $539.99 at Sam’s Club. While the Xoom Wi-Fi tablet has been confirmed for launch in April in Europe, a US launch has yet to be confirmed. The Xoom Wi-Fi version is expected to be identical to the version sold on Verizon Wireless with a 1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor, 10.1-inch capacitive display at 1280×800 resolution, a 5.0 megapixel camera, 720p video recording and 1080p video playback, 802.11n WiFi radio, Bluetooth 2.1, and 32GB of on-board storage.

During CES this week, Binatone’s iDect division presented the android iHome phone, a cordless phone designed for non-mobile home use. The phone connects to the internet via WiFi and can be expanded with an SD memory card.

The user guide details a plethora of features the phone has, essentially providing Android to mobile users on their landline. Read more for complete specifications.

Features:

• DECT digital cordless phone
• DECT CAT-iq 2.0
• Android Operating System
• Wi-Fi connection (802.11 b/g)
• 2.8″/ 7.1cm diagonal touchscreen (320 x 240 pixels)
• Auto-rotate landscape / portrait orientation
• Memory Card: Micro SD
• Internet Browser (HTML, WAP)
• Email client
• Widgets and RSS feeds (Weather, News, Sport, Finance)
• Internet Radio
• Music Player (MP3)
• Built-in stereo speakers in docking station
• Headphone connection on handset
• Picture Viewer (Jpeg)
• Contacts Manager (300 entries for phonebook and email)
• 14 minute digital answer machine
• Handsfree speakerphone
• Call waiting caller ID
• Logs your last 50 calls
• Last 30 number redial
• 20 Polyphonic ringtones
• Alarm/ Clock/ Calendar
• Up to 60 hours standby time
• Up to 8 hours talk time
• Answer machine
• Caller display
• Color display

Airstash is a combination of devices including a WiFi radio, SD card reader, and USB port all in one. The idea is to access your iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch media wirelessly from your desktop computer’s web browser.

Streaming video and browsing photos is the most prominent feature, although saving photos to the desktop requires saving the image from within the web browser one by one. The software accesses iPad content wirelessly, creating a web application to display that content through the desktop computer.

No software installation is required on either the desktop or iPad devices. Multiple devices can be supported simultaneously, and the device is capable of broadcasting its own WiFi network. Security features include WPA2 wireless encryption. The Airstash charges when connected to USB port via its built-in rechargeable battery.

Airstash is available now for a retail price of $99.99. Read more for the complete lists of supported media types.

Connectivity

• 802.11b/g (54 Mbps max)
• Range: 50m (160 ft) line of sight
• Maximum simultaneous connections: 8
• Configurable security: open and WEP; WPA available in upcoming firmware release

• USB 2.0 High Speed (480 Mbps)
• USB Mass Storage Class

Compatibility

• Web browser WiFi b/g capable device
• Optimized experience for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad via HTML5
• No internet connection required

• Compatible with most operating systems that support USB Mass Storage Class (thumb drives)
• Firmware update via file drag and drop

Software

• Built-in web/file/media server
• Built-in User Manual

Viewable Document Types

• .jpg, .tiff, .gif (images); .doc and .docx (Microsoft Word); .htm and .html (web pages); .key (Keynote); .numbers (Numbers); .pages (Pages); .pdf (Preview and Adobe Acrobat); .ppt and .pptx (Microsoft PowerPoint); .txt (text); .rtf (rich text format); .vcf (contact information); .xls and .xlsx (Microsoft Excel)

Audio

• AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV

• non-DRM browser supported media files

Video

• H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats

• non-DRM browser supported media files