VIZIO Co-Star with Google TV (Source: PRNewsFoto/VIZIO, Inc.)
VIZIO's latest stream player can be pre-ordered in July for $99.99 at the VIZIO site
Just one day after Sony announced its new Google TV-powered set-top box, VIZIO has introduced its own version -- and it's $100 cheaper.
VIZIO announced its new Co-Star Stream Player today which runs Google TV software. The VIZIO Co-Star allows users to experience both live and streaming content in one HDTV experience.
"Our focus to deliver the best consumer experience continues with today's announcement of the Co-Star, which delivers a superior smart TV interface that anyone can add to their existing HDTV," said Matt McRae, VIZIO's Chief Technology Officer. "We combined the powerful features of Google TV with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface, giving users the power to enjoy an entire world of entertainment."
The VIZIO Co-Star and Google TV duo has 1080p Full HD and 3D support with built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi and USB ports for hard drives and peripherals. The new Internet box will offer Web-browsing capabilities with Google Chrome, streaming content and access to apps in the Google Play Store. The Co-Star can be connected to a cable or satellite box, allowing users to watch live TV while using the Internet, OnLive cloud gaming, streaming content and apps at the same time.
Some of the apps mentioned were Amazon Instant Video, Netflix, YouTube and iHeartReadio. Many cloud-based video games can be streamed as well.
The VIZIO Co-Star comes with a universal Bluetooth remote that includes a touch pad, and a separate QWERTY keyboard.
VIZIO's latest stream player can be pre-ordered in July for $99.99 at the VIZIO site.
Just yesterday, Sony announced the price and release date for a similar set-top box called the NSZ-GS7. Sony's Internet player also runs Google TV, allowing owners to use the Google Chrome browser for Web searches, purchase apps from the Google Play Store, access favorite sites like YouTube and search content available from both broadcast providers and the Internet for custom videos on demand. In addition, the NSZ-GS7 also comes with a universal remote with a QWERTY keyboard and touch pad.
However, the NSZ-GS7 is priced at $199 and will be released July 22. Sony will also release a Blu-ray version later in the fall for $299.
In addition to a higher price, Sony's NSZ-GS7 hasn't received the hottest reviews. Both Gizmodo UK and The Verge had quite a few gripes about the Internet player, saying it gets too hot, it has trouble connecting to a wireless network, it had issues looking for byzantine IR codes for the remote, channels had a hard time loading, certain commands were not recognized and there's a lackluster app selection. The only real positives they gave were well-placed ports and a faster, more intuitive interface.
VIZIO could really give Sony a run for its money in the realm of Internet players, both in price and possibly performance.
Source: PR Newswire
"Paying an extra $500 for a computer in this environment -- same piece of hardware -- paying $500 more to get a logo on it? I think that's a more challenging proposition for the average person than it used to be." -- Steve Ballmer
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