So here is a quick recap of the biggest stories from CES Day 1.
Optimized for Sling TV
Sling TV yesterday announced Optimized for Sling TV, a new certification program designed to ensure Sling TV viewers have an optimal experience across platforms. Launching this week, the program currently includes the AirTV Player and Xiaomis Mi Box, which allows them to use the Optimized for Sling TV logo on future packaging and will be recognized on the Sling TV website.
The Optimized for Sling TV program can accommodate a variety of platform configurations. At launch, Sling TV says it will work with potential partners to create a unique and innovative experience.
Sling TV listed to following criteria to be considered as an Optimized for Sling TV device:
- Auto-Launch: The device automatically launches into Sling TV when turned on, making it easier than ever to get to Sling TVs live and on-demand content quickly.
- Pre-Loaded App: Manufacturer pre-loads Sling TV on the device in a prominent location, so no additional download is required to access Sling TV.
- Sling TV Button: The device remote includes a Sling TV button, allowing customers to access their content in a single step.
- Easy Access: The Sling TV app is presented as the default live TV app or has prominent placement and is easily accessible in the app store.
- TV Content Integration: Live programming from Sling TV is included in the devices top content section for one-click access.
- Integrated Over-The-Air Content: The device contains over-the-air (OTA) tuners that support integration of OTA content directly into the Sling TV guide.
- Wi-Fi Optimization: The device enables Wi-Fi in the home, providing a superior viewing experience for Sling TV.
- Included in Device Setup: Sling TV is included in the out-of-box set-up for the device.
- Fast Performance: The device quickly launches Sling TV and loads content right away.
- Latest Sling TV Version: The device must support the most updated build of Sling TV, giving customers access to the latest features.
At CES yesterday Seiki, Westinghouse Electronics, and Element Electronics, leading 4K Ultra HD display brands, announced a new line of 4K Ultra HD Smart TVswith built in Amazon Fire TV. These TVs will feature the Amazon Fire TV experience and support for a voice remote with Amazon Alexa.
The new Fire TV Edition TVs simplify viewing for customers by delivering a great selection of streaming and over-the-air content in one place including access to more than 7,000 channels, apps, and Alexa skills and live TV broadcasts when used with a separate HD antenna. An onscreen programming guide makes finding what to watch easy, and with the included voice remote with Alexa, customers can use their voice to launch apps, search content, play music, control smart home devices, and more.
The new smart TVs running the Fire TV OS launch some time later this year.
For several months now we have been hearing rumors of a new device called AirTV. This device would combine Dishs Sling TV service, Netflix, and over-the-air television. Today, Sling TV officially announced the AirTV Player, and it is an Android TV streaming device that it is pitching as a single platform for on-demand streaming, Internet TV, and over-the-air local channels.
You can install any Android apps you want, but the preinstalled options are Sling TV, Netflix, and YouTube. The AirTV Player also supports 4K streaming from services that offer UHD resolution. The AirTV Player is available today starting at $99 or $129 with a bundled OTA adapter. It comes with a remote control that allows voice search and has physical shortcut buttons for Sling and Netflix. If you buy an Air TV right now you will also get a $50 Sling TV credit.
With the AirTV Player, OTA channels remain separate from your Sling TV subscription, but theyre integrated into the same channel guide, which allows you to watch your OTA channels such as Fox and Fox Sports 1 all in the same place.
Netflix 4K
Netflix today announced that it will be offering Ultra HD 4K to Windows 10 owners who have a new Intel Core Processor, which gives Windows 10 owners access to the catalog of Netflix TV shows and movies in 4Keven more accessible for our members around the world to watch in the best picture quality.
For the last several years, we’ve been working with our partners across the spectrum of CE devices to add support for the richer visual experience of 4K. Since launching on Smart TVs in 2014, many different devices can now play our 4K content, including Smart TVs, set top boxes and game consoles. We are pleased to add Windows 10 and 7th Gen Intel® Core CPUs to that list, stated Matt Trunnell, Nick Eddy, and Greg Wallace-Freedman in a Netflix press release.
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