Audio Video News

Chinese TV maker Hisense will pre-install the news-focused Haystack TV app in its 2020 TVs under a partnership the companies announced today.

The free app will be featured prominently in the newly revamped Vidaa 4.0 smart TV platform Hisense introduced last month at CES 2020.

Based in San Francisco, Haystack TV is an ad-supported streaming service that brings a personalized mix of top local, national, and global news to TV viewers. The service provides local news for 85% of the metropolitan areas in the United States through more than 250 “trusted premium providers,” according to the company, including ABC News, the Associated Press, Bloomberg, CBS News, Cheddar, Euronews, Newsy, and others.

Described as easy to use and convenient for anyone who is busy or on-the-go, the app will be particularly attractive to anti-cable-TV cord cutters and “cord nevers” who don’t otherwise get local news.

“Vidaa aggregates content from the best global and local partners for Vidaa users,” said Guy Edri, EVP of business development for Hisense’s Vidaa platform. “Bringing the best free content to our customers locally in every market and globally is Vidaa’s global strategy. We are pleased to bring Haystack’s carefully curated and customized blend of local, national, and international news to our platform.

Vidaa partners also include Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, Red Bull TV, the music streaming service Deezer, DAZN, Rakuten TV, Hungama, and the sports-focused live TV streaming service fuboTV.

Haystack TV is also available on Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, and Roku streaming platforms; LG, Samsung, and Vizio smart TVs; Android and iOS mobile devices; and online at haystack.tv.