Vizio’s been talking up Google TV since CES 2011. Yet very little seemed to materialize last year and so 2012 looks to be the year they get serious… with the introduction of new Google TV-powered televisions, Blu-ray deck, and the “Stream Player” shown above.
Building upon their VIA branding (as in Vizio Internet Apps ) and interface, the Stream Player will take on the likes of Roku and Apple TV in the compact, Internet-connected set-top box space. Of course, we’re still not quite sold on the Google TV 2.0 experience but this looks to be the smallest gTV offering and features a highly practical Bluetooth remote with a touchpad on one side, and QWERTY keyboard on the other. Additionally, it kindly provides shortcut buttons to Netflix, Amazon, and Vudu apps. As to launch timing and pricing, Vizio suggests we stay tuned.
VIZIO and Google today jointly announced the introduction of the VIZIO VAP430 Stream Player, an innovative stream player that turns any HDTV into an enhanced VIZIO Internet Apps Plus (V.I.A. Plus) smart TV that incorporates the latest Google TV. The Stream Player allows consumers to access countless entertainment content and online services with web access through a fully capable Chrome browser, and to also enjoy photos, music and video stored on any computer, hard drive or smart phone connected to a local network and/or the cloud.
With the VAP430 connected to an HDTV over an HDMI cable, users can quickly and seamlessly access content and services from their favorite apps and websites using the included Bluetooth premium universal remote control with integrated touchpad. In addition to movies, TV shows and music on demand, the VAP430 lets users search the web for even more entertainment options using the Flash-capable Chrome browser.
Using the included premium remote with QWERTY keypad and integrated touchpad, viewers can easily search for any program or content they want from their favorite apps or the Internet. Users can also check out new apps from an ever-expanding Android Market, or access personal media like videos, photos and music that are stored on devices connected to the same home network as the stream player. Images are displayed right on a connected TV set, and sound plays through the TV or a connected audio system.
Has there been any talk of an actual Amazon VOD app for GTV, or is it still just thru the browser?
Good question – that I don’t know the answer to. Likewise… where are the mobile Amazon video apps?
@Dave, No kidding. I can take a guess as to why there is no iPad app… but no Android app for Amazon streaming has been the lame sauce.
“where are the mobile Amazon video apps?”
Here ya’ go…
Will be interesting to see if this generation takes off. I assume it’ll depend on whether we see some good applications for gTV or not. Something that hasn’t come to pass yet, but its early (sort of). Even just something competitive with say Roku’s high-profile offerings would seem to get them there, something we should either see this year or it ain’t going to happen.
That Bluetooth remote immediately reminds me that it isn’t a multi-device remote of course. So you can only use it for this box and can’t manage your TV or DVR with it. Which seems like a problem.
You know what would be a good idea… a TV streaming box with Google TV and a multi-function remote. A company like Logitech with their IR code database could probably make something like that… Oh wait.
Also, I don’t see people from rural Idaho using a box like this. Out in Castleford people tend to be happy with the three over the air channels they can get that focus on local news and events, and all this talk of internet streaming just confuses them.