Roku is adding another manufacturer to its Roku TV licensing program. Later this year, Funai will introduce Philips-branded Roku TVs in the US.
Philips Roku TVs
Besides selling its popular streaming players, the company has licensed its platform to manufacturers of TVs. Here it is competing with other platforms such as Android TV, Fire TV, Tizen, and webOS.
Roku is adding another TV brand to its roster. Starting later this year you will see Philips-branded Roku TVs on the shelves in the US.
- “Today we’re pleased to add another great brand to the Roku TV licensing program and introduce Philips Roku TV! Funai Electric will build and deliver smart TVs under the Philips brand that run the Roku OS,” the company said.
Philips TVs are manufactured by Funai in the US and TP Vision in Europe. The deal with Funai will not affect Philips TVs in Europe that will continue to come with Google’s Android TV operating system onboard.
No technical or pricing details were announced but we should soon receive more information considering that the TVs are scheduled for release before the holiday season.
The company also commented on the success of the Roku TV licensing program.
- “Our Roku TV partners continue to see success growing their brands and market share. Year to date in 2017, one in five smart TVs sold in the U.S. and Canada were licensed Roku TVs. The combination of the Philips brand and Roku TV platform are sure to make Philips Roku TV a favorite this holiday season.”
Roku’s initiatives are gaining traction in the market but as things stand right now it is unlikely to sign up the major players. Sony has partnered with Google to bring Android to its TVs, whereas LG and Samsung have created in-house platforms with webOS and Tizen. Amazon is taking a page out of Roku’s playbook with the Fire TV platform by selling streaming player as well as licensing its platform to TV makers.
