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Hisense picks up Hillcrest Labs' gesture and motion control tech for TVs
Following LG and TCL, Hisense is now the latest TV manufacturer to adopt Hillcrest Labs' Freespace technology. According to the agreement, Hisense, the world's fifth largest smart TV brand (as of Q1 2013, according to NPD DisplaySearch), will be able to add in-air pointing, gesture control and motion control -- all via a remote control -- to its future smart TVs and set-top boxes. This also means TCL now faces a fellow Chinese competitor with the same set of Freespace features. While there's no time frame just yet, we've been told that Hisense will eventually sell these next-gen devices in the US and China later this year, so stay tuned.
LG partners with Cognitive Networks to make Smart TVs smarter and more interactive
There's a problem with Smart TVs -- they really aren't all that smart. While having WiFi-equipped sets that can run apps and stream content from the web might make them seem smart, TV's don't actually know what content is onscreen when they're showing, you know, regular broadcast television. (Which is still what those TVs are most used for.) Cognitive Networks, however, has figured out how to make those televisions aware of what's happening onscreen, and LG is the first manufacturer to leverage the technology with its LivePlus service. LivePlus was first revealed at the launch of Showtime's Sho Sync app last week, but the Cognitive Networks' technology powering LG's platform can do so much more than just display character backgrounds, trivia and other info. To fully appreciate the breadth of possibilities the tech provides, however, it's important to know how it actually works.
WSJ: Vevo TV deal signed for Samsung, Apple TV platforms
Internet music video provider Vevo launched its linear channel on mobile devices, Xbox 360 and Roku back in March, and according to the Wall Street Journal, it may arrive on the PS3, Apple TV (directly, AirPlay support came last week) and Samsung's Smart TV soon. After a rumor earlier this month from AdAge, the new report indicates deals with both Samsung and Apple are signed with a launch on the latter possible this week. That most of the people watching the streaming channel do so on TV-connected devices which, along with the desire to sell higher-priced TV ads is apparently behind the new push. The next moves for Vevo? Rolling out new channels that focus on specific genres or live music, renegotiating licenses for content, and off in the distance, perhaps a cable TV channel. For now, we'll just pencil in a shift to reality TV shows, dramas and other non-music programming for 2019 or so.
TWC TV app hits Samsung TVs with VOD access, live TV coming soon
Even as Time Warner Cable's relationship with CBS keeps the tag "it's complicated" the cable company has launched a version of its TWC TV app for Samsung's Smart TV platform. We've seen prototypes in years past, but now that it's officially available the app is ready to run on 2012 and 2013 model year TVs. Unlike some of the other versions, this one is video on-demand compatible only, although support for live TV channels is promised by the end of the year. If you don't have a Samsung TV but do have Time Warner Cable, we've heard some more information about plans for other platforms. The Xbox 360 app (with Kinect support) is due in early to mid August, while updates for Android / iOS / Roku are expected in the next few months. There's no firm confirmation of a client for Sony's gaming consoles, but the PS3 is still listed on internal documents, so we'll have to wait and see on that. Samsung TV owners can snag the app by hitting the Smart Hub button on their remote or downloading it from the video category in the app store, let us know if it's worth the wait.
M-Go launches streaming app for Vizio Smart TVs
If you were one of those who took a chance on M-Go when it entered the internet streaming arena in January, listen up: you have a new way to enjoy your flicks now that it's rolling out an app for Vizio Smart TVs. This is the latest addition to the growing roster of compatible devices that you can use to rent / buy movies and TV shows on the subscription-free, pay-as-you-go service. Besides the new app, looks like M-Go's also making an effort to stay true to its "people-friendliest" promise by revamping its website for easier navigation. These developments might make M-Go harder to dismiss for potential users despite many similar services out there, and who knows -- if it continues to expand its offerings, more people could give it a second look in the future.
LG inks Sky deal for exclusive Now TV streaming access on smart TVs
When LG invited us to an event in (thankfully) sunny London, we thought we'd be hearing about 4K, curved OLED and huge price tags. It wasn't about hardware at all, in fact, as LG announced it has partnered with Sky to add the Now TV movie and sport streaming service to its smart TV line-up. Starting in August, Now TV content will be exclusive to LG sets for "a minimum of 12 months." Those purchasing new home entertainment kit will get three months of free access to Now TV's movie catalogue, as well as three free 24-hour sports passes. If you're in possession of an LG smart TV from this year or last, or a 2013 era Blu-ray player or home cinema system, you may miss the introductory offer but will still be able to download the Now TV app. The only kicker is that Now TV doesn't currently broadcast HD content, so don't expect those movies to pop on your 84-inch 4K monster.
Alibaba develops Smart TV OS, will use it to sell you things
As much as we enjoyed the decade we spent vegging out in front of the shopping channel, we had hoped that the internet had put such days behind us. Not so, thanks to Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba, which has developed its own Smart TV OS, separate to Aliyun, in the hope of pumping even more cash out of our wallets. Developed in collaboration with Wasu Media, the duo will launch a set-top box later in the year, and are in talks with companies like Cisco, Haier and Allwinner to produce compatible devices. While customers will be able to use smartphones to stream media and control their TVs, they'll probably be strong-armed into buying apps, shopping at the Alibaba-owned Juhuasuan and even making utility payments via the company's Alipay platform. Looks like we've got no choice but to finally buy that noiseless karaoke microphone we've been avoiding all these years.
ShopTV 't-commerce' app for Samsung Smart TVs peddles items seen on shows
Recovering shopaholics better steer clear of Delivery Agent's new app for Samsung Smart TVs -- if it actually does what the firm says, that is. It claims the inanely named ShopTV ties into a huge database of items and makes merchandise on the shows or commercials you're watching available for purchase. An update rolling out later this year will supposedly let you simultaneously watch and shop in an effort to empty your wallet (or worse, your life savings) even faster. If you're the type who goes gaga over HSN, we suggest installing some games to distract yourself from the temptation.
Japanese broadcasters reject Panasonic Smart TV advert in fit of jealousy (video)
As technology adverts go, this new one from Panasonic isn't bad. We've certainly seen worse. From the POV of some major Japanese broadcasters, however, it's apparently too dangerous to air. According to AFP, they've refused to transmit the ad because viewers might be confused by its demonstration of Panasonic's Smart TV interface, which mixes terrestrial TV with web content courtesy of a rather ordinary split-screen feature. This semi-justification has inevitably led to speculation that the privately owned broadcasters are actually trying to slow the growth of IPTV in Japan, because they're not quite ready to compete. Panasonic seems to have taken the knock-back on the chin, saying that IPTV is a "new area of service" in its home nation and that it's currently in talks to "create new rules for broadcasting." Meanwhile, the mind-boggling material is embedded after the break if you're sure you can handle it.
Smart TV manufacturers subjected to 'coercive sales tactics' by Google, says ETNews
Smart TV providers who wish to use HTML5 for their streaming ecosystems have been running into a wall with YouTube, according to Korea's ETNews. It said Google has insisted TV makers place the app on their systems' main page and pass a Smart TV "browser conformity test" at its US headquarters, too. As a result, companies like Samsung have had to wait up to three months for YouTube certification. A key part of this allegation is that that TV makers who opted for Mountain View's Android-based Google TV instead of HTML5 wouldn't face such problems, but meanwhile, we've contacted Google for its take on the matter.
Sceptre's Android-powered Sound Bar 2.1 makes any TV smart
Convergence, the dictionary tells us, is the point where two things combine, so imagine Sceptre's new hardware as the singles bar where speakers and Android first met. The SB301524W Sound Bar 2.1 marries dual front-facing speakers, a 35W subwoofer, 2.4GHz WiFi 802.11 b/g/n WiFi and Ice Cream Sandwich to rejuvenate any old display into a Smart TV. Naturally, users will be able to access Google Play and download apps to the machine, but there's no word on capacity or expandability -- something you'll have to ask in the store before you shell out $300 on the gear.
Leaked packaging suggests Xiaomi is working on a 47-inch TV (update: TV chassis!)
China's Xiaomi has certainly made a name for itself in the smartphone market, but let's not forget that it has other plans as well. For one, there's the Xiaomi Box, which is the company's first foray into the video content world. And according to the above leak, the next step from there appears to be a 47-inch 1080p TV, which is simply branded as "Xiaomi TV" in Chinese (model number L47M1-AA). Like the Xiaomi Box, this TV will apparently feature built-in WiFi and "MiLink" (Airplay, DLNA plus Miracast), as well as audio certification from Dolby and DTS. More after the break. Update: Well well well, this guy sure has some good contacts. He's now posted a couple of alleged photos of the TV chassis, which has a massive Xiaomi logo bang in the middle. We've got one of the shots after the break.
Time Warner Cable launching TWC TV app for Samsung Smart TVs (video)
As commonplace as Time Warner Cable's TWC TV app might be, it's surprisingly tricky to find on actual TVs -- Roku boxes don't quite count. The provider is addressing that gap today with plans to release a version for Samsung's Smart TVs. The new app (not yet pictured here) offers authentication-based access to about 5,000 on-demand shows without any extra hardware. This isn't a true replacement for a cable box, however -- along with the usual subscription requirement, there's no mention of the live TV that we've seen elsewhere. Those who aren't deterred by the restrictions can load TWC TV on their 2012-era Smart TVs soon, and 2013 sets sometime after that.
LG brings Ubitus' GameNow cloud gaming to Smart TVs in the US
LG is more serious about TV gaming than many of its rivals, and it's proving that today by rolling out Ubitus' GameNow service to Smart TVs in the US. The cloud gaming portal streams a mix of mostly console-grade titles, such as Devil May Cry 4 and Dead Rising 2; it also includes free trials and support for a handful of gamepads. A free beta is available now, and the two companies are shooting for a full-fledged launch sometime in the "near future." While it's unlikely that GameNow will replace a PS4 or Xbox One for truly demanding players, we'll take the wider game library any day.
Boku and PlayJam simplify payments on smart TVs, bring in mobile carrier billing
Smart TVs aren't new, but the platforms currently out have plenty of room for improvement. One example is when it's time to actually pay for goods or services via an app. While some have tried to fix it before, a new effort from Boku and PlayJam will reach further than one manufacturer's products in three countries. Launching in more than a dozen countries and on some of the biggest names in TVs, Boku mobile payments make it easier to buy games or upgrades by typing in your mobile number and replying Y to a text message. That way you can avoid the need to key in credit card details with a TV remote poorly suited to the task, or risk the info falling into the wrong hands. After that, the charge shows up on your next mobile phone bill like any other. It seems likely Boku will extend this beyond one partner in the future, and with PlayJam SDK already powering apps on Samsung, Panasonic, LGE, Vizio, Western Digital, Google TV and VESTEL devices you may see the option pop up sooner rather than later.
Pandora launches TV / console-friendly HTML5 site
With 70 million active monthly users, we suspect the world isn't desperately searching for another way to listen to Pandora. That said, we certainly can't fault the internet radio provider for attempting to optimize the experience for as many platforms as possible. The latest push comes in the form of tv.pandora.com, a service the company claims is optimized for that proverbial "10-foot experience." The HTML5-based site plays nicely with your Xbox 360 at the moment, and Pandora says that it'll be coming to further TVs, set top boxes and consoles in the months to come. tv.pandora.com has a simplified navigation system, play, pause, skip and thumbs up and down functionality and 500 curated stations to get you started. You can check the site out today, or peep a press release on the matter after the break.
Hulu Plus update brings enhanced UI and controls to Roku, Smart TVs and Blu-ray players
Hulu Plus has been on a roll in the mobile world this month, dishing out a brand-new Windows Phone app and updates to its Android UI. Fortunately, the service is pushing out similar efforts to the home entertainment side as well: a new refresh is rolling out to Samsung Smart TVs, select Blu-ray players and newer Roku hardware, with the Wii getting the update treatment in the near future. Enhancements in the new "experience" include a new tray-style user interface with a "shows you watch" feature, simplified controls, better search and Hulu Kids. Sounds like a pretty solid effort by the company, but if you're not convinced, head to the source link for the full list of changes. Update: A post on the Roku blog indicates the new UI is coming to the Roku HD (2500) and later models including the Roku 2, 3 and Streaming Stick. Earlier devices will still get the old UI.
Vizio begins shipping 2013 M-Series Smart TVs, prices start at $400
Back at this year's CES, all Vizio said about its brand new M-Series lineup of HDTVs was that they'd be hitting shelves at some point "later this year." Fast forward to today, and the company's announcing its 2013 M-Series Smart TVs are now shipping to retailers such as Best Buy, Amazon and Walmart, with interested folks being able to grab one starting at $400 for a 32-inch LED model. Speaking of which, Vizio also went ahead and modified the M-Series pricing scheme a bit, making some models a little more expensive and others slightly cheaper. For example, the Theater 3D-ready 80-inch Razor LED Smart TV (say that five times fast) is now $4,000, as opposed to the $5,000 price tag that it was announced with originally. You'll find the full MSRP list in the PR after the break, and do let us know in the comments below if you plan on snagging one of these for yourself.
Redbox Instant streaming now available on LG Smart TVs
Now out of beta, Redbox Instant is slowly increasing the number of devices it supports and has now announced its launch on LG's Smart TV platform (TVs only, not Blu-ray players, for now). The hybrid disc / video on-demand / subscription streaming movie service has continued to push updates to its apps on Android and iOS since their debut, and has been posting promotions of its "disc + digital" approach. Its digital catalog is still more limited than competition like Netflix or Amazon Prime, but the disc aspect is an interesting hook, allowing users to pick up a brand new flick at the kiosk and stream catalog fare, all under one package. If you're in the beta then let us know how things are progressing in the comments, and if you're not then you can get a free month trial at the link below.
China's LeTV debuts 'Super TV' X60, throws in a quad-core S4 Prime chip
Quad-core smart TVs? Move over, Samsung and Haier, because another company's now joining the party. At a press event in Beijing yesterday, Chinese video content provider LeTV announced its first TV series dubbed "Super TV." Despite the cheesy name, there are a handful of big names behind it: Kai-Fu Lee's Innovation Works, Qualcomm, Foxconn and Sharp. The last two aren't surprising considering Foxconn's parent company, Hon Hai, is an investor of Sharp as well as LeTV. It's also worth noting, though, that Hon Hai already has a deal with RadioShack to make and sell a 60-inch TV, the RS60-V1, in China since January. The flagship X60 (pictured above at GMIC Beijing) features an aluminum alloy body that encases Sharp's 10th-generation 60-inch 1080p panel -- as featured on the RadioShack TV -- with 120Hz 3D, on top of a 1.7GHz quad-core Snapdragon S4 Prime MPQ8064 (with 2GB of RAM and Adreno 320 graphics), dual-band WiFi and S/PDIF optical output. You can also add an optional 2.4GHz gyroscopic remote control and a PrimeSense motion sensor just for giggles. But most importantly, LeTV now streams over 2,000 TV apps as well as some 90,000 TV episodes and 5,000 movies for free (LeTV claims to own the rights to 95 percent of the video content). So, the ¥6,999 or $1,140 price tag seems a steal for the X60. There will also be a 39-inch 1080p (likely 2D only), dual-core S40 model priced at ¥1,999 or about $330, and both TVs will be available by the end of June.%Gallery-187824%
