VIZIO Unveils New Features and User Interface Enhancements for VIZIO SmartCast™ App
Irvine, CA — January 10, 2017 — Today, VIZIO, Inc. announced new updates to its VIZIO SmartCast app user experience. With an expanding library of integrated apps like Vudu, Hulu, iHeartRadio, Crackle, FandangoNow and Google Play Movies & TV1, and ongoing enhancements to the overall user experience, the VIZIO SmartCast app makes it simple for consumers to stream their favorite content to any VIZIO SmartCast device in the home. Updates include convenient new features including a streamlined home screen, content catalog updates and a tutorial to help users get the most out of their entertainment experience.
Recent enhancements to the VIZIO SmartCast app provide users with larger buttons on the home screen interface to help simplify navigation and ensure key functions are easily accessible. Other updates include access to more TV shows and movies from the home screen, bringing popular entertainment options to the forefront for consumers. The home screen will also soon include a Featured section with added content recommendations. For new VIZIO SmartCast users, the home screen’s Discover section showcases a curated selection of fan favorites, such as non-subscription content from Pluto TV and others, along with other top picks from subscription-based apps. With just a tap of any of these selections, users can instantly stream content directly to their big screens.
The VIZIO SmartCast app home screen also now includes a convenient Cast Apps section, featuring popular Chromecast-enabled apps like Netflix, XUMO and Pluto TV for quick accessibility. When a user selects a given app, it will launch on the user’s mobile device, or if the app is not yet installed on their device, the user will be sent directly to the iTunes App Store or Google Play Store to download the desired Chromecast-enabled app. Also, popular Chromecast-enabled apps can be found using the search function within the VIZIO SmartCast app. For example, Netflix and other in-demand apps now also appear in search results, allowing users to quickly download the app before using it in its native form.
“One of the key VIZIO SmartCast differentiators when compared to traditional Smart TV platforms is our ability to continuously enhance the experience with quick improvements which any user can enjoy right from their own mobile device,” said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. “The latest round of enhancements were designed to further simplify consumer interaction with the SmartCast app, giving users quicker access to controls, content and more.”
Launched earlier this year, VIZIO SmartCast is the brand’s latest ecosystem of connected entertainment products, delivering a new way to discover and access content across the whole home. With Chromecast built-in, every VIZIO SmartCast display, sound bar and speaker makes it easy for consumers to easily stream from thousands of mobile apps they already know and love directly to their VIZIO SmartCast device. By simply tapping the Cast button from within their favorite apps like Netflix and YouTube, content is then streamed directly from the Internet to any VIZIO SmartCast device via the respective WiFi network. In addition to casting content from Chromecast-enabled apps, the VIZIO SmartCast app transforms iOS and Android mobile devices into powerful touchscreen remotes, allowing users to use text or voice search to simultaneously search and browse content across multiple apps by genre. Once users find a title, they simply tap their desired service to begin streaming content directly to their VIZIO SmartCast display. They can then continue using their mobile devices for other activities without interrupting the stream to the big screen.
For more information about VIZIO SmartCast visit vizio.com/smartcast
1The third party applications and content described herein may only be available in certain countries and languages, may require additional fees or subscription charges, and may be subject to future updates, modifications, interruption and/or discontinuation of service without notice, and VIZIO has no control over such content. Google account required to download apps from the Google Play store.
About VIZIO
VIZIO’s mission is to deliver the ultimate entertainment experience through our community of connected consumers, advertisers, and media content providers. Through our connected entertainment platform, VIZIO is transforming the way consumers discover and experience media content. Since our founding in California in 2002, VIZIO has built an industry-leading brand and sold over 65 million products, including televisions, sound bars and other devices. VIZIO is a leading HDTV brand in America and holds the #1 unit share in Sound Bars 2 . VIZIO product leadership is highlighted by a number of industry reviews and awards: the VIZIO P-Series SmartCast Home Theater Displays are the highest-ranked LED/LCD display on CNET in 2016, having received an editors’ rating of 4.5/5 stars 3 ; the VIZIO Reference Series achieved a 2016 Editors’ Choice award from Reviewed.com 4 ; and the VIZIO D-Series earned a 2016 Editor’s Choice award from PC Magazine 5 . For more information, please call 888-VIZIOCE or visit www.VIZIO.com .
© 2016 VIZIO, Inc. VIZIO, the V Logo, VIZIO SmartCast, Active LED Zones and other terms and phrases are trademarks or registered trademarks of VIZIO, Inc. All other trademarks and logos are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.
1 The NPD Group / Weekly Retail Tracking Service, based on TV units sold in the U.S. from Dec. 30, 2012- Aug. 27, 2016
2 The NPD Group / Weekly Retail Tracking Service, based on sound bar units sold in the U.S. from Dec. 30, 2012- Aug. 27, 2016
3 Visit reviewed.com for full reviews for the VIZIO SmartCast P-Series (published: 10/28/2016), VIZIO SmartCast M-Series (published: 10/5/2016) and VIZIO SmartCast E-Series (published: 9/13/2016)
4 Visit CNET.com for full article (published: 12/16/2016)
5 Visit CNET.com for the full review, published 9/16/2016
6 Visit reviewed.com for the full E65u-D3 review, published 11/14/16
7 Visit pcmag.com for the full VIZIO D-Series review, published 3/24/16
Press Contacts for VIZIO:
Katie Kotarak
The Brand AMP
T: 949-438-1078
Jim Noyd
Noyd Communications Inc.
T: 310-951-3768