By We heard about Vizio’s plans to release a Google TV box earlier this year at CES, but we weren’t given much info as to what, exactly, we’d be getting. Welp, today they’ve reintroduced the device as the Vizio Co-Star, and we now know that it will only cost $99 for the privilege to own it.
The device is a standalone box that features the latest Google TV and some pre-installed applications such as Amazon Prime video and Netflix. What’s more is that this will be the first Google TV device to support OnLive, a game streaming service that lets you play console quality games without the necessary hardware — all you need is a good internet connection.
The device will come coupled with a dual-sided Bluetooth remote and WiFi radios inside. Other than that, it looks to be a very simple setup and I’m sure a lot of eyes will be on this one once it launches. Pre-sales begin next month.
VIZIO Launches The VIZIO Co-Star™ With Google TV Giving Users The Power To Turn Any HDTV Into The Ultimate Smart TV
IRVINE, Calif., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — VIZIO, America’s #1 LCD HDTV Company*, announced today the launch of the highly anticipated VIZIO Co-Star™ Stream Player. Using the latest version of Google TV™, the VIZIO Co-Star makes it easy to transform any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV, merging live and streaming entertainment into one intuitive and easy experience. With VIZIO’s new stream player, users get instant access to thousands of apps, full-screen web browsing capabilities-via Google Chrome™ with Adobe® Flash® Player and HTML 5 support-and the best in streaming entertainment.
Unique to the stream player market, the VIZIO Co-Star offers the distinct advantage of connecting to a cable or satellite box. This allows viewers to enjoy live TV along with the web, apps, OnLive cloud gaming, and other streaming entertainment without interrupting what they’re already watching. This integrated experience along with the universal touchpad remote with keyboard eliminates the need to switch TV inputs or remotes to access alternative content and provides viewers with a truly smart TV 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 added benefit of Google TV’s powerful search feature lets viewers easily browse websites, hunt for streaming movies or locate their favorite TV shows; and with picture-in-picture technology, it can all be done while simultaneously watching live TV action.
In addition to favorite apps such as Netflix®, Amazon Instant Video, M-GO, YouTube® and iHeartRadio, the VIZIO Co-Star is the first stream player to offer video games on demand through the OnLive® Game Service. OnLive allows users to demo, watch and play hundreds of top-tier video games directly from ‘the cloud’ via their VIZIO Co-Star, eliminating the need for users to own an independent game console. With easy access to thousands of apps through Google Play, Co-Star offers the most comprehensive stream player available today.
Complementing the overall experience, the VIZIO Co-Star includes a universal Bluetooth® remote with an innovative touchpad that lets you touch, tap, scroll and drag. A full QWERTY keyboard helps users search for their favorite entertainment. Plus, its universal feature makes it easy to control home entertainment devices with one remote.
The VIZIO Co-Star incorporates a number of power user features intended to satisfy the variety of user demands, starting with support for 1080p Full HD and 3D entertainment. Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi provides easy wireless Internet access without unsightly wires. Integrated USB port connects to hard drives, keyboards and other peripherals. The VIZIO Co-Star even enables viewers to enjoy photos, music, and movies from any DLNA-enabled phone, tablet, or computer on the TV screen.
The VIZIO Co-Star exceeds expectations by combining a definitive user experience with a powerful smart TV platform, resulting in an all-in-one solution that brings the ultimate smart TV experience to any HDTV.
The VIZIO CO-Star will be available for pre-orders in July 2012 only on VIZIO.com for $99.99, with an introductory free shipping offer, while supplies last.
*IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q2 2012 Market Tracker Report of Q1 2012.
**High-speed/broadband Internet service and access equipment are required and not provided by VIZIO. Additional fees and/or subscriptions may be required for certain content and services. VIZIO makes no warranties, representations, or assurances of any kind as to the content, availability, or functionality of third party content or services.
I’m glad to see activity in the GTV market. I really want Google and these manufacturers to continue to promote growth with this game changing device. Once more people adopt, the rest will fall into place.
Speaking of falling, I wonder how nintendo will react to this.
It can feature HD gfx, has motion controls (your phone or tablet), has a screen on the controller (your phone or tablet) and it only requires an internet connection, so no need to get new hardware every few years (although for 100$ it ain’t even that bad)
If Nintendo ever releases its IP on a different platform I hope that it will be the Android platform.
truth is, i just don’t get what this device does and I am a full on techie!… I have a tivo, this works in conjunction with the tivo?
Again, if i don’t get it, most don’t.. but looking over the vizio page has got me intrigued
This device as in this Vizio one or Google TV? Because here is GTV’s official page:
http://www.google.com/tv/. It basically is like a UI for your TV; I’ve never had Tivo so if it’s the same then yeah…
Now $99 is a price I can live with even if I don’t use this that often.. I already have Netflix on my PS3 but I want YouTube on my tv too and don’t feel like spending on a new TV just yet..
Does youtube work in the PS3 browser?
Yea, but it’s horrible.
REALLY horrible!
with onlive? wow I may have to get one for the spare bedroom
This is a great price defiantly going to pick one up. Maybe it will get better momentum at this price point.
Yes but what are the hardware specs????
I was wondering the same. The beauty of anything android-related is that the software is always replaceable. The hardware is not.
Onlive is a nice little bonus, but the game selection and prices are not great.
If I can root it to play hulu, ABC.com videos, etc I’ll get it. Otherwise, I may have to wait for the next one…
Will this allow you to pull videos, pics and songs from your pc?
If it plays media from a media/DLNA server (not the crappy one in PS3), I’ll definitely get it.
Will it work with emulators?
If the answer is yes, then I will promptly pre-order one and then Office Space my Logitech Revue in a field.
That bad, huh?
Or sell it to me for a buck?! LOL