Back in March, Chromecast was renamed to Google Cast and Vizio announced the first Cast-enabled televisions. Philips just announced four new sets as part of the 6000 series Google Cast Ultra HDTV. Like recent affordable Android TV showings from RCA, these models start at $649.
While Google’s latest approach to smart TVs involves Google Cast, Android TV is still around with new partners and models announced at CES earlier in the year. Now, RCA has revealed details and pricing for its new line of 4K Android TV sets that will be available in June.
According to a report from Variety, Google might be working with manufacturers to add Google Cast functionality directly into TVs, without the need for Android TV. Vizio is rumored to be the first partner to adopt this model where the TV becomes just a ‘dumb’ screen.
LG says that its line of webOS and NetCast 4.0 and 4.5 smart TVs are getting access to Google Play Movies & TV. With access to this service, users will be able to watch previously bought movies and shows as well as buy new ones from the Play Store.
Users will also be able to start watching content on their LG Smart TVs resume watching later from their smartphone, tablet or PC, LG said a press release.
The ability to buy and watch movies will be rolling out to LG Smart TVs in 104 countries starting this month, while the TV service will first roll out to US, Canada, UK, and Australia.
‘Google Play Movies & TV’ Brings Great Content to LG Smart TVs, PCs, Smartphones ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Nov. 17, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Starting this month, U.S. owners of LG Smart TVs will be able to enjoy thousands of movies and TV shows through “Google Play Movies & TV.” Compatible with LG’s industry-leading webOS Smart TV platform (as well as its earlier NetCast 4.0 and 4.5), Google Play Movies & TV will offer timeless classics, new releases, independent films and cult favorites in both HD and SD formats. With Google Play Movies & TV, viewers can rent or buy from among thousands of movies or TV shows from major Hollywood studios. And because all the content originates from the cloud, viewers can begin watching on their LG Smart TVs at home and resume watching from where they left off the next day on their smartphone, tablet or PC. “The smart TV market is growing rapidly and with that comes a tremendous demand for fresher, higher-quality content,” said In-kyu Lee, senior vice president and head of the TV and monitor division at the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. “Meeting this demand is LG’s highest priority, matched only by our desire to provide the best possible viewing experience on our TV products with the webOS platform. Our close partnership with Google will go a long way toward fulfilling the high expectations of LG Smart TV owners.” Google Play Movies will become available starting this month on LG Smart TVs in 104 countries with the TV service rolling out initially in the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
WATCH LATEST MOVIES, TV SHOWS WITH GOOGLE PLAY MOVIES & TV ON LG SMART TVs