Several companies showed off new or expanded Android TV products during CES 2018’s kick-off day today.
The wealth of new Android TV devices on display suggested that Google is finally getting traction for its TV-optimized version of Android.
Nvidia unveiled a new 65-inch Ultra HD monitor standard called BFGD — that’s short for big format gaming displays. BFGDs will play HDR video at 120MHz and will run Android TV. HP, ASUS, and Acer will release BFGD monitors later this year.
Chinese consumer electronics giant Haier announced new Android TV products as well. Haier will launch a series of high definition and ultra-high definition TVs this year, beginning in the US and Canada. “We are thrilled to partner with Google to provide our customers with the Android TV Smart platform,” said John Homlish, President Haier America’s Digital Products Group.
Budget TV-maker Westinghouse also rolled out a new line of Android TV ultra HD televisions. According to a report from Multichannel News, pricing for the new Westinghouse TVs will start at $325.
American over-the-air antenna maker Channel Master will enter the fray with a new Android TV set-top box it calls Stream+. Stream+ will come equipped with two HDTV tuners.
This is still day one of CES, so more products based on Android TV may debut throughout the week. With a more varied selection of products hitting the market, Google room may finally be ready to take on Roku in the living room.
Chris Casper is a former tech industry product manager who escaped from California for New Mexico. Now he writes about science and tech while searching for the perfect green chile sauce.
