Audio Video News

Vizio today announced that a new SmartCast TV update is now rolling out via the internet to its 2017 P-Series and M-Series 4K/Ultra HD displays.

With the automatic update the TV displays an “intuitive home screen” with content recommendations and apps that can be quickly accessed and launched using the Vizio’s new SmartCast remote control. Available apps include Amazon Video, Crackle, Hulu, iHeartRadio, Netflix, Pluto TV, Vudu, and XUMO1.

Popular and trending content from multiple sources is aggregated in a “Discover” section, allowing viewers to browse selections without having to toggle in and out of multiple apps. Selected content can be controlled through the TV or via Vizio’s free SmartCast Mobile app for iOS and Android devices.

To use SmartCast TV some owners may need the new SmartCast remote, which has a V-button that provides one-button access to the SmartCast TV interface and shortcut keys to popular apps. According to the press release issued by Vizio, “For a limited time and while supplies last, owners of eligible models can receive the new Vizio SmartCast remote either free or for a nominal fee by visiting vizio.com (some conditions apply).”

The latest version of Vizio’s SmartCast Mobile app has a new navigational menu that allows viewers to browse the SmartCast TV interface from their mobile device. With some SmartCast TV apps, including Netflix, viewers can start playback using the TV remote and use the SmartCast mobile app to pause the show from any room in the house or continue playback using Google Assistant voice control on devices like Google Home. The mobile app also lets users search for content across multiple apps.

The SmartCast TV update is scheduled to roll out to Vizio’s 2017 SmartCast E-Series UHD Displays later this summer.

For more information, visit vizio.com.