Google made the unusual choice of a Facebook posting to hint at "big announcements" coming for Google TV on Monday. The company wouldn't give any clues as to its plans. It's unlikely to include any minor OS updates, since it recently updated to Android 3.2.
Vizio has quietly updated the product page for its flagship TV of the year, the CinemaWide, to give it a price. The middle tier 58-inch set should cost $3,499. Smaller 50- and high-end 71-inch sets are still coming, but didn't immediately get prices.
Vizio on Tuesday expanded its entire TV-focused strategy for 2012 by starting with its own equivalent to an Apple TV. The VAP430 Stream Player is dedicated solely to bringing Google TV 2.0 to sets that don't already have it. It links to the TV through HDMI, with a pass-through for other devices, and can share media on the local network through Wi-Fi and DLNA.
Vizio on Monday confirmed its PC plans while hinting at more. It will have five PCs in a more Apple-like roster, including 24- and 27-inch all-in-one desktops, 14- and 15.6-inch pseudo-ultrabooks, and a regular notebook. All of them will focus on links with the VIA Internet Apps of their TV counterparts, as well as a heavy emphasis on streaming video and 2.1-channel audio. In a deliberate attempt to move away from companies like Dell and HP, Vizio is going for a "clean" Windows 7 image free of unwanted trial apps and utilities.
[Updated with pics] Vizio on Friday revealed that it would be getting into the PC market as of CES. A work in progress for two years, the strategy outlined to the Wall Street Journal would include all-in-one desktops and thin notebooks. Details are vague, but the all-in-one would hide the computer in its base, notebooks would range from 14 to 15.6 inches, and designs would try to avoid an industrial look.
Google has removed the mystery from who its Google TV partners will be at CES with a full listing ahead of the show. Some using chips from Marvell and MediaTek, TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony, and Vizio will all run the Android-based TV OS. Vizio's sets will be behind closed doors, but the rest should be public.
Repeating a pattern from last year, Vizio has run a commercial (below) giving a hint as to its lineup for 2012. The Rose Bowl spot outlines the contrast between old and new in American football before giving a quick preview. Vizio's lineup may be much more distinct this year, with a chromed, arcing neck and a very minimal display.
Google chairman Eric Schmidt made an aggressive prediction at the Le Web conference in Paris (video below) that Google TV would dictate the TV landscape by summer 2012. He believed that the "majority of televisions you see in stores" should have the Android-based OS build inside over the course of the next several months. No indication was given of which companies were involved and how many of their models would make the leap.
Microsoft has plans to make and sell TVs with its Kinect sensor built in, according to sources speaking with The Daily. It would then no longer require the company's Xbox 360 gaming console to be connected, and would allow users to turn the TV on or off or change channels with hand gestures rather than remote controls. What would be required, however, is a connection to a PC running Windows, a feat that's already been documented.
The 3D HDTVs Vizio introduced at the CES expo in January are now shipping, the company said Wednesday. The M-series sets use passive glasses technology that's cheaper to run, but still have Vizio Internet Apps. All have edge-lit LED backlighting, and some sets include up to four pairs of the battery-free glasses, which are lightweight and more comfortable than active shutter glasses.
LG might take a risk on unveiling a Google TV 2.0 set at the CES expo in January, a pair of contacts said late Friday. They gave no details of the set to Bloomberg, although it's presumed the TV will look much like the ultra-thin bezel LMx600 series sets that LG accidentally if briefly revealed through CES awards. Most TV sets introduced at CES don't ship until several months later.
Logitech's acting CEO Guerrino De Luca shook up the TV field at an investor day late Thursday by revealing that the company was effectively quitting Google TV. The price-cut Revue media hub was now selling through remaining stock in the fall and wouldn't have a sequel. The company was bringing "closure to the Logitech Revue saga," he said.
Today's deals from DealNN include price drops on HDTVs, headphones, and more. Tigerdirect.com has recently lowered the cost of the refurbished Vizio 32-inch Class Razor LED HDTV, which includes a maximum screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, an 8ms response time, four built-in HDMI ports, and a three month warranty on parts and labor. Currently featured at DealNN, this particular HDTV can be purchased for only $299 and offers savings of up to $350.
An unnamed electronics store has obtained updated Logitech Revue boxes hinting that the Google TV revamp is underway. The sighting by someone visiting an electronics retailer showed Engadget a new box touting Google TV, but "now with Android 3.1 and Android Market." None of the boxes have been opened yet to see if it has the new Google TV interface already installed or if it will need to get a post-sale update.
Vizio on Monday revealed its 8-inch tablets will get a firmware update that will bring with it a pre-loaded Netflix app. Netflix members can log into their accounts and watch streaming TV episodes and movies as quickly as a shortcut on the home screen. As an Android 2 device, it has had an easier time getting access than Android 3-native tablets.
Vizio on Wednesday had the rare distinction of becoming the first Android tablet maker to get official Hulu Plus support. The 8-inch Tablet's use of the older Android 2.3 has let Hulu adapt the streaming TV service to the slate. Access lets owners reach the full Hulu catalog online at the same $8 per month as elsewhere.
Google late Monday took the redesigned Google TV an important step closer by posting a preview version of the Google TV Add-on. The extension gives Android developers a way to optimize phone and especially tablet apps for the Google TV interface without having to change their tools. Along with supporting TV screens, it adds extras like hooking into a TV's channel lineup and other elements specific to the remote-control interface.
Google during the call for its buyout of Motorola hinted that it was confident about its ability to defend Android against patent complaints. The company declined to talk about its exact strategy but said it was now in a "very good position" to protect the entire ecosystem. The $12.5 billion deal gives it access to 17,000 existing and 7,500 in-progress patents, giving it more clout than if it had bought the collective Novell and Nortel patents.
Vizio has finally begun shipping its eight-inch Android tablet, which will arrive on store shelves with a $299 price tag. The company's own pre-order page suggested the tablet was originally expected to arrive on July 18. Early reports surrounding pricing were also inconsistent, as rumors pointed to $300 but the pre-order site listed $400.
The recently leaked Google TV Android 3.1 revamp has had its first trial runs through video (below) and reports from those on GTVHacker willing to experiment. A run-through from Channel Android on a Logitech Revue has shown more of the interface than what was seen at Google I/O in May and shows that virtually none of the original interface is left over, and much of it is now devoted to apps and widgets. Android Market is the most relevant as it's now known to have a "featured for TV" section much like that for tablets as well as a clearly TV-native interface.
After being first teased at this year’s Rose Bowl, the Vizio Tablet has started to arrive in stores as scheduled. Costco is among the stores starting to stock the device, where it is retailing for $329, a $20 discount off the full recommended retail. The device is shipping with Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) with a future upgrade to Android 3.2 or Ice Cream Sandwich a possibility.
Vizio has begun taking pre-orders for its upcoming tablet, which is paired with a $400 price tag. The pre-order price appears to be slightly higher than earlier reports suggested, with several rumors and a Walmart leak pointing to a budget-focused pricing structure starting at $349. The pre-order page also confirms a ship date of July 18.
Today's deals from DealNN include price breaks on HDTV's, Blu-ray players, and more. Onsale.com has recently lowered the cost of the refurbished Vizio 32-inch LCD HDTV, complete with 1366 x 768 maximum resolution, 16:9 aspect ratio, 8ms response time, and four built-in HDMI ports. Currently featured at DealNN, this HDTV has dropped to $247.99 in price and offers savings of up to $202.
Vizio continued a string of mid-year AV updates with a turn towards audio and Blu-ray players. The VHE211is its first real mobile in-ear headphones and include a built-in mic for iPhones and other smartphones to handle calls. Vizio claims to have better quality than usual in the class with 9mm neodymium drivers and a flat design to fight tangling; they ship in white or black this summer for $30.
Vizio on Wednesday detailed its roadmap for TVs in the second half of 2011, including its first Google TV sets. The XVT 6 series in 47- and 55-inch forms will run the new Android 3.1 TV platform along with its Via Plus services. The sets will carry 480Hz LCD panels, support both Bluetooth and touchpad controls, and come with four pairs of 3D glasses when they ship in December.
Vizio on Tuesday Via tablet. The eight-inch Android 2.3 slate is due to ship in July and should cost about $349. A spokesman told Engadget that future OS upgrade to Android 3.2 or Ice Cream Sandwich was a possibility, but wasn't ready to commit to an OS choice in the near future.
A new rumor has resurfaced the frequent claim that Apple would have a self-branded TV set. A supposed Apple executive claimed the Apple TV hardware would be integrated into TV sets built by a "major supplier" but badged with Apple's logo. What DailyTech was told about would be planned for a fall launch but could wait until 2012 if the product wasn't ready.
SageTV in a notice to its users said on Saturday that it had been bought out by Google. The open-source home theater software developer said it signed onboard because of a "shared vision for open technology" that would move their Internet-focused experience. They hoped to reach an "even larger audience" on different products, platforms, and services, hinting it wouldn't necessarily be limited to Android.
A Walmart inventory finding on Friday has narrowed down the release timing for the Vizio Via tablet. The "Vizio 8" Tablet" has surfaced in the system alongside other tablets with a "week 26" ship date. The Engadget notice would have it arriving in about six weeks, or in late July.
In the video below, LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin got a preview of the Vizio Via tablet and 65-inch XVT3D650SV 3D display. The tablet, display, and Via smartphone have a shared interface, which includes a "flick" feature that sends pictures from the tablet to the TV or phone with a gesture. The tablet also has an application to act as a remote control for the entertainment system.
Vizio looks like it is closer to releasing its first Android tablet. First teased during the Rose Bowl, the VTAB1008 has now made an appearance at the FCC. Having recently turning up in Walmart’s inventory for $349, its appearance at the FCC suggests that a formal unveiling will not be far away.
OnLive swung into action ahead of E3 on Thursday with the unveiling of a gamepad that should work on nearly every platform. Its Universal Wireless Controller can directly control the streaming game service from not just Macs or Windows PCs but also the MicroConsole, Android tablets like the HTC Flyer, the iPad, and some Vizio TVs. Bluetooth is available for those devices that can use it but is braced by a USB adapter that can plug directly into devices that normally want a wired link.
A session at Google I/O on Wednesday afternoon showed off the regular interface of Google TV using Android 3.1. The platform will have its core apps at the bottom like a tablet and will make room for widget up top; a calendar widget was one of the examples. Search is also now cleaner and includes a separate "more results" section for third-party apps, such as a track in Napster or a Pandora radio station.
Google at Google I/O 2011 unveiled its previously promised Android 3.1. The new update now has a more advanced multitasking system that shows all recent tasks, even ones that have been shut down to save memory. USB host device is also finally new: catching up to Apple, Android devices can now import photos from a camera, rely on a gamepad, or other hardware input.
Google's revamped Google TV won't show until much later in the year but will have some partners in tow, insiders said Wednesday. The new platform would skip next week's Google I/O conference entirely and would only be unveiled in "coming months." AllThingsD was, however, told that Samsung and Vizio were signing on to join Logitech and Sony.
Vudu chose Tuesday to throw itself into more direct competition with iTunes and Netflix by carrying TV shows. The deal gives it access to shows from ABC, AMC, Fox, HDNet, Palm, Showtime, Sony, Starz, and The CW, such as Weeds and The Walking Dead. As a paid service, its episodes will show a day after the air date rather than weeks or months like on Netflix.
Vudu chief Ed Lichty in a talk on Friday expressed hope that his movie streaming service might come to Apple devices. As part of an anticipation to expand into "tablets and other new gizmos," according to Forbes, Lichty thought devices like the iPad and iPhone might follow suit. He didn't give an indication of how close these were or whether there would have to be any changes.
Samsung hoped to kickstart adoption of its 2011 3D TVs Wednesday by very aggressively cutting prices and increasing the number of times it gives them for free in bundles. Its SSG-3100GB active shutter glasses are dropping from $130 to $50, making it it inexpensive enough to buy two pairs for less than it cost to buy one. The designer-made, lightweight SSG-3700GR glasses are also getting an undefined price cut.
Amazon is now letting buyers pre-order Vizio's 3D-capable 32-inch E3D-series TV priced at $500 and the 42-inch set that's priced at $700. The two are part of a wider E3D-series release introduced at this year's CES show and very nearly mirror the prices that Walmart will charge when they arrive sometime in April. The E3D320VX and E3D420VX are due to ship in between three and five weeks.
A gamer in the past few weeks has started up a project to turn the iPad into a unique peripheral for the combat flight sim DCS A-10C. The homebrew iControl DCS app uses the iPad to replace multiple instruments that would otherwise require moving the in-game camera away from the outside world. Shacknews member Boarder2's implementation uses Wi-Fi but transmits enough data to show live information from the Multi Function Control Displays (MFCDs) while still providing real-time control of buttons. Users tap to switch between different sections of the cockpit.
Vizio has updated its 3D TV lineup online, with some of the mid-range sets introduced at CES finally getting a price tag. While ship dates are still unknown, the 47-inch E3D470VX, 42-inch E3D420VX and 32-inch E3D320VX will cost $900, $730 and $550, respectively. All have 1080p 2D resolutions, built-in Wi-Fi and access to Vizio Internet Apps.
The MOG music service available for Android- and iOS-based devices will now come to Sonos in-home music systems, connected Vizio TVs, portable electronics from LG and Samsung and new Mini cars. The new Sonos partnership gives users streaming for the 320Kbps, ad-free service over its multi-room audio systems. Access includes MOG's Mobius music discovery engine and more than 10 million songs.
Vudu started the weekend by rolling out its 2.0 interface on most all devices. Following the PS3 and Boxee Box updates, Blu-ray players and Internet-linked TVs now get the same simplified interface and optimizations for HD and newer controllers when they appear. It now recommends movies based on the viewing history and theoretically gives faster access to movies.
LG and Vizio have settled several patent-infringement disputes in the US and Taiwan regarding flat-panel TV sets. The litigation spanned some two years, though the terms of the settlement weren't revealed. Three cases in front of the International Trade Commission have been dropped as a result.
An unnamed but "very high authority" source at Google has confirmed that an ARM-based Google TV product is coming out, ARMDevices said on Friday. The rumors of such a device are nothing new, with ARM linked to discussions with Google on just such an undertaking as far back as November. Technical details of such a product were still unknown, however.
Vizio got an early start on CES news by detailing its entire TV lineup as well as the details of its Via Tablet and Via Phone. The two Android devices use 1GHz processors and have both front and back cameras along with 802.11n Wi-Fi, GPS, HDMI and microSD slots. Both will have a Vizio-themed custom interface on their respective eight- and four-inch displays and should have a way to resume content across hardware.
Toshiba today showed off its second ever Android tablet with a very early look at a new 10-inch model. The unnamed design uses a 10-inch display but has upgraded from the Folio 100's Android 2.2 to the tablet-native Honeycomb, or Android 2.4. Like its predecessor, it will use NVIDIA's twin-core Tegra 2 chip and support 1080p video, but it will be upgraded to a 1280x800 display and support both a five-megapixel back camera and a front two-megapixel example.
Vizio on Sunday afternoon confirmed many of the details behind its Rose Bowl tablet teaser. The erstwhile TV maker is now getting into mobile devices and will use Android for the Via Tablet, an eight-inch slate with a front camera, three speakers and Wi-Fi alone for Internet access. A matching Via Phone will have a four-inch display, a back five-megapixel camera and its own front camera.
Vizio has used this year’s Rose Bowl to tease an upcoming tablet device from the company, which is better known for its LCD TV’s than computer-based products. Vizio chief sales officer Randy Waynick demonstrates the device in action around 15 secs into the chairman’s message that aired during the half-time break. In the video (included below) Waynick discusses Vizio’s desire to create products that deliver “entertainment freedom for all,” and the ability to view games on their LCD TVs or “any of their great new products, from anywhere”. While delivering his script, Waynick holds a tablet appearing to stream match content directly to the device.
Google has forced multiple partners to skip Google TV introductions at CES due to a sudden worry about the quality of the software, a leak Sunday evening has given away. LG, Sharp, Toshiba and Vizio were all reportedly ready to unveil their own Google TV sets at the show, but the New York Times claimed that all of these have pushed their launches back by an unspecified amount of time. Among the industry, only Samsung will launch two new devices in public, while Vizio is believed to have hardware it will show only behind closed doors.
