Vizio announces new Google TV set top box, pre-orders start next month for $99.99

The craze that was Google TV started out as a big bang and soon fizzled off. Primarily due to price and lack of abilities that many people expected from the first Google TV devices released. Even though they didn’t make it into as many living rooms as many had thought they would, Google doesn’t have plans to stop moving forward. While Logitech pulled from the race, a plethora of new companies signed on to bring us better boxes.

One of those companies was Vizio. They have announced today that they are releasing their Google TV box, called the Co-Star, next month. It will feature all your standard inputs and out put like HDMI, a single USB port and a LAN port. It does have Wi-Fi built in so use of a hardwired ethernet cable is not required.

 The remote will be a two-sided universal remote with a touch pad on the front a long with all your various volume, channel and navigation keys needed. On the flipside you have a full QWERTY keyboard.Where it gets a little better, Vizio also has On-Live support for the avid or hardcore gamer fanatic. Making those gaming controls on the rear of the remote extremely useful. We might just have to pick one up simply for the On-Live and gaming support. Lets just hope it plays smooth on the big screen.

The Co-Star is set to go on pre-sale starting next month for a low price of $99.99 We will be keeping an eye on this one at that price. If it is better than the Logitech Revue turned out to be then this could be a great chance for many to get their hands on their first, or second, Google TV without breaking the bank. Feel free to sign up for notifications from Vizio about the Co-Star at their website.

IRVINE, Calif., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — VIZIO, America’s #1 LCD HDTV Company*, announced today the launch of the highly anticipated VIZIO Co-Starâ„¢ Stream Player. Using the latest version of Google TVâ„¢, the VIZIO Co-Star makes it easy to transform any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV, merging live and streaming entertainment into one intuitive and easy experience. With VIZIO’s new stream player, users get instant access to thousands of apps, full-screen web browsing capabilities—via Google Chromeâ„¢ with Adobe® Flash® Player and HTML 5 support—and the best in streaming entertainment.

Unique to the stream player market, the VIZIO Co-Star offers the distinct advantage of connecting to a cable or satellite box. This allows viewers to enjoy live TV along with the web, apps, OnLive cloud gaming, and other streaming entertainment without interrupting what they’re already watching. This integrated experience along with the universal touchpad remote with keyboard eliminates the need to switch TV inputs or remotes to access alternative content and provides viewers with a truly smart TV experience.

“Our focus to deliver the best consumer experience continues with today’s announcement of the Co-Star, which delivers a superior smart TV interface that anyone can add to their existing HDTV,” said Matt McRae, VIZIO’s Chief Technology Officer. “We combined the powerful features of Google TVâ„¢ with an intuitive and easy to use interface, giving users the power to enjoy an entire world of entertainment.”

The added benefit of Google TV’s powerful search feature lets viewers easily browse websites, hunt for streaming movies or locate their favorite TV shows; and with picture-in-picture technology, it can all be done while simultaneously watching live TV action.

In addition to favorite apps such as Netflix®, Amazon Instant Video, M-GO, YouTube® and iHeartRadio, the VIZIO Co-Star is the first stream player to offer video games on demand through the OnLive® Game Service.  OnLive allows users to demo, watch and play hundreds of top-tier video games directly from ‘the cloud’ via their VIZIO Co-Star, eliminating the need for users to own an independent game console. With easy access to thousands of apps through Google Play, Co-Star offers the most comprehensive stream player available today.

Complementing the overall experience, the VIZIO Co-Star includes a universal Bluetooth® remote with an innovative touchpad that lets you touch, tap, scroll and drag. A full QWERTY keyboard helps users search for their favorite entertainment.  Plus, its universal feature makes it easy to control home entertainment devices with one remote.

The VIZIO Co-Star incorporates a number of power user features intended to satisfy the variety of user demands, starting with support for 1080p Full HD and 3D entertainment. Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi provides easy wireless Internet access without unsightly wires. Integrated USB port connects to hard drives, keyboards and other peripherals. The VIZIO Co-Star even enables viewers to enjoy photos, music, and movies from any DLNA-enabled phone, tablet, or computer on the TV screen.

The VIZIO Co-Star exceeds expectations by combining a definitive user experience with a powerful smart TV platform, resulting in an all-in-one solution that brings the ultimate smart TV experience to any HDTV.

The VIZIO CO-Star will be available for pre-orders in July 2012 only on VIZIO.com for $99.99, with an introductory free shipping offer, while supplies last.

*IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q2 2012 Market Tracker Report of Q1 2012.

**High-speed/broadband Internet service and access equipment are required and not provided by VIZIO.  Additional fees and/or subscriptions may be required for certain content and services.  VIZIO makes no warranties, representations, or assurances of any kind as to the content, availability, or functionality of third party content or services.

Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1fV2C)