Part 1 of 2
Quite recently the term Smart TV has been coined to mean a variety of things. Although Samsung may be using the phrase, it has moved beyond its products and first & foremost, it definitely means connectivity. It means that you can you can surf the internet using a prebuilt application or even speak to your TV and it will perform certain command functions. You can watch TV through the internet through Netflix or Hulu and sometimes do much more. Many operating systems are used in this endeavor to expand the entertainment experience. Custom OS software like the Sony Bravia line or the Samsung lines are used, but also Linux based OS systems as well as Android.
Well what if your tv is 4-5 years old and it was never “schooled” to be a Smart TV. What then? Do we miss out on all of the joy that the internet and applications have to offer from the comfort of our couch? The answer is no.
The market has now been flooded with usb sized units with HDMI connections that provide the latest Android OS installed. Just search Amazon UK for Android TV and you will see what I am talking about! Instantly you have Android on your TV – that includes all of the apps, functions, web browsers etc you would find on your Android smart phone or tablet. The prices do range as with every gadget so you have to watch where you step. Chinese aftermarket products dominate the gadget landscape and they make no exception here. They are sold as legitimate products, but wait until you get them at home. You get what you pay for in the world of technology.
I happened on one product through Kickstarter, an innovation product backing website, where a group of guys in Dubai have created a similar product. The Pocket TV. Their marketing approach is doused with the usual “guys next door” attitude, and the frank “we have nothing to hide, & if I make a mistake eh,we are human after all” image. Definitely borrowed from the pages of Steve Jobs – approach to marketing. I was convinced, well sort of. I ordered the Pocket TV and I am waiting for its arrival any day now. Check out the specifications, not bad. I will put it to the test, and when I am finished I will get back to everyone with a review. Let’s just see if my TV really gets any smarter…
J.I. – Acting Head
