TVs are always a big deal at CES, with manufacturers pushing ever crazier combinations of visual technology into eye-catching prototypes and future production devices. But aside from the dizzying visual tech on show from the likes of Sony and Samsung, Chinese manufacturer Hisense has been showing off its new Vidaa smart TV platform, based on Android, with full Google Play support.
Vidaa runs Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean with all the accompanying apps you'd expect, only framed around a more TV-friendly interface, controlled through a standard remote. A series of panels for your own content, apps and streaming services allow you to easily navigate through the UI, and there's a traditional app grid view too, along with a slide-out bar for controlling your inputs. There's also built-in support for video on-demand from YouTube, Google Play Movies + TV, Crackle, Netflix, Amazon and Vudu.
Check out our video walkthrough after the break for an in-depth look.
Reader comments
First look at Hisense's Android-powered Vidaa smart TV
Looks good, wonder how it differs from high end Samsung and Sony smart TV
Posted via Android Central App
Aside from running Android apps which the Sony or Samsung TVs don't?
Posted via Android Central App
Full/true android is the difference...
I like it but where is built in Chromecast?
That's why I'm waiting/hoping for an official Android TV device. I'm hoping Chromecast will be in it.
I saw a hisense tv at a box store for the first time and I was amazed at the picture quality. If this is availible soon I'll be all over it.
Posted via Android Central App
Sign me up please
Posted via Android Central App
Surprised they're first to do this...
Especially Sony, their smart tv os Sucks
I know because I own a Bravia
Posted via Android Central App
I hope the interface isn't slow I've seem dome smart TVs from last year along selecting apps , button press delays, etc I just think they need to improve interfaces and performance in them as well
Sent from my Nexus 7 2013 or Moto G
I believe this is one of the reasons Android is open source. I know that I'm not saying anything new but I just like the fact that the world has a relatively unified OS that they install on stoves, cars, tvs, phones etc.
So do I! I like when they include Google services on the media devices too. On things like household appliances, that's not needed of course. However, having them work together with things like a central app that can control and communicate with them is a must.
dAmn
... (Oppo F5) ...