After launching Philips-branded TVs based on the Roku platform in 2017, Funai will this year bring its first Philips Android TVs, in sizes from 43 to 75 inches, to the US.
Philips Android TVs
In Europe, the Philips TV brand is controlled by TP Vision who is all-in on Google’s Android TV platform. Funai is now also pairing up the Android operating system with Philips-branded 4K TVs in the US.
- “Combining Funai’s innovative display technology with the Android TV platform gives users a new central hub for their home and provides endless entertainment options for all viewers,” said Youssef Ibrahim, Product Marketing, Funai. “The new series not only gives users instant access to their favorite entertainment programs in 4K, it can also control smart lights, thermostats, cameras, and more, regardless of which room they are in; providing unprecedented convergence between television, entertainment and multi-zone connected home control.”
The TVs will be powered by Android version 8.0 (Oreo) and include built-in Chromecast and support for Google Assistant voice control, the company confirmed. The TVs also claim support for HDR10 but PFL5704 sports low-contrast IPS LCD panels without local dimming capabilities.
It is not clear why Funai / Philips is moving away from Roku for these new TVs. Roku has a strong presence in the US but a weak presence in other markets. It is vice versa for Google’s Android TV but it appears that Google has had luck convincing more US partners to bet on Android TV. DirectTV is also gearing up to launch a set-top box based on Android TV. Google recently said that the platform is used by ”tens of millions of users”.
Two Philips Android TVs ranges (PFL5704 and PFL5904) will be made available, with prices starting at $350 dollars for a 43-inch model. The line-up will also include 50, 55, 65, and 75-inch TVs. It sounds like the two ranges will be largely similar, with PFL5904 featuring a far-field microphone for voice commands.
Philips PFL5704 will be available soon, whereas PFL5904 will launch in the second half of 2019. More information is available on usa.philips.com.
