TiVo (News - Alert) is launching mobile and second-screen TV companion apps, which cable operators can custom-brand to extend their TV Everywhere strategies. No TiVo DVR box required, either--the apps are compatible in homes with or without TiVo devices.

Technically, the apps are co-branded and billed as being “powered by TiVo.” But they provide a content discovery interface to find things to watch, browse/search TV and movies, and see what's coming up next through the TiVo Live Guide—regardless of whether the consumer has a TiVo set-top.

As a white-label solution, the apps integrate into cable operator extensions (e.g. customer help, billing, account management, etc.).

The apps also offer metadata integration, so customers can explore and learn more about their favorite TV shows, movies, actors and directors. For subscribers with TiVo devices, they will also have the ability to remotely schedule recordings, Wish List and Season Pass recordings, manage the DVR's To Do and Season Pass lists, and control their devices with the mobile app's remote control functionality. And, when paired with a TiVo Stream and an iOS device, users can stream content within the home network and side-load recordings to take on the road.

"TiVo's operator solutions help the provider's subscribers realize the full value of their subscription and enhance content related transactions,” said Thomas Elam, vice president and general manager for TiVo’s service provider business. “We are excited to provide the full power of our mobile applications 'powered by TiVo' to our operator partners. This key part of our strategy to provide great media experiences on all screens will be a co-branded experience to promote customer retention -- especially for users who may not yet have a TiVo set-top box (STB) -- and provides our partners a competitive advantage in the TV Everywhere game."

Atlantic Broadband will be the first U.S. cable operator to sign on; it plans to implement the TiVo mobile applications along with TiVo's complete set-top solution (multi-room DVR and HD-STB).

The company has been beefing up its discovery options: It recently released "What to Watch Now," which gives users a personalized dashboard combining recommendations and personal preferences, displayed in six columns categorized by what's popular based on viewership data and geography, sports on now (powered by Thuuz), movies on now, favorite channels, kids programming on now and most recent recordings.