Google TV has yet to become anything more of a niche platform but that hasn’t stopped companies Vizio and Logitech from trying to make a dent in the connected TV market. Recently another new company, Wise Tivi, has thrown their hat into the ring by announcing three new devices that enable you to get the android experience on your television.
First up we have the “Vision” which is a camera version of the Wise Tivi set top box. This device give you all the apps, games, and streaming services you’ve come to expect from a Google TV box, however it also promises video chat capability with services including Skype, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, etc. The Vision sells for $89.
Other notable stats:
- Google Android 4.2
- Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 1.6Ghz
- Quad-core ARM Mali-400 MP, supports OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0 and OpenVG 1.1
- Nand Flash 4GB (up to 16GB)
- 1*HDMI 1.3(up to 1920×1080 resolution),
- 1*micro USB (DC port) ,
- 1*USB HOST(USB 2.0 ),
- 1*TF card slot (Support 1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB)
- Supports flash 11.1
Next up is The “Box”, which as the name states is just the basic set top box version. This gives you everything the “Vision” has minus the camera so obviously no video chat. The “Box” comes in at $59, so it’s up to you whether its worth the extra thirty dollars to see grandma in full 55″ HD.
Stats:
- Google Android 4.2
- Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 1.6Ghz
- Quad-core ARM Mali-400 MP, supports OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0 and OpenVG 1.1
- Nand Flash 4GB (up to 16GB)
- 1*RGB ,
- 1*micro USB (DC port) ,
- 1*USB HOST(USB 2.0 ),
- 1*TF card slot (Support 1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB)
- Supports flash 11.1
Finally we see the “Portable”. This one looks like a USB stick but it gives you the exact same experience as the “Box” does but with a pricetag of $79. I have to admit it would be cool to be able to take my Google TV on trips. That would make a hotel stay a little better. The stats for the “Portable” are:
- Google Android 4.2
- Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 1.6Ghz
- Quad-core ARM Mali-400 MP, supports OpenGL ES 1.1/2.0 and OpenVG 1.1
- Nand Flash 4GB (up to 16GB)
- 1*HDMI 1.3(up to 1920×1080 resolution),
- 1*micro USB (DC port) ,
- 1*USB HOST(USB 2.0 ),
- 1*TF card slot (Support 1GB/2GB/4GB/8GB/16GB)
- Supports flash 11.1
There are also a pair of accessories that work with all three of these devices. The gaming pad, which is surely a direct shot at OUYA, and the Air Mouse, which has a full QWERTY on it’s backside. No pricing has been announced on the accessories as of yet.
A lot of people are down on Google TV because it hasn’t hit the big time just yet. I’m of the opposite opinion however. As someone who doesn’t own a gaming system like an XBox or PS3 my Logitech Revue is connected to and used on a daily basis to stream Netflix, HBO GO, etc. Sure the apps aren’t all there yet but if you recognize it’s limitations and use it to enhance your television experience it really doesn’t disappoint. Once I got rid of that gawdawful full keyboard clicker in favor of the mini one all was good in my world.
You can head on over to Wise Tivi’s website to pre-order your next android device.