Vizio has checked off a major first by bringing TV networks to SmartCast Mobile. The company announced Wednesday that it has integrated three Turner networks — TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network — into the app.
Those three are just the first to arrive; additional networks will follow in the coming months. Turner’s portfolio also includes CNN, Adult Swim, and other networks, so there is more quality programming to come.
With the new Turner integration, the Vizio SmartCast content catalogs now include programming from the broadcasting company — but only users who are also authenticated pay-TV customers will be able to watch them. Those fortunate people will be able to tune into some of Turner’s numerous popular series, ranging from children’s shows like The Powerpuff Girls to late-night hits like Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and Conan.
“The integration of TNT, TBS and Cartoon Network into Vizio SmartCast Mobile equates to an added level of convenience for consumers,” Matt McRae, Vizio’s chief technology officer, said in a statement. “The partnership with Turner allows popular network content to be infused directly into the SmartCast experience, allowing consumers to easily browse content catalogs before deciding on content to cast to the big screen.”
Vizio’s SmartCast displays have Chromecast built in, and the company’s app can be used to turn their iOS and Android mobile devices into touchscreen remotes. The Vizio SmartCast Mobile app then allows them to access content from a number of SmartCast-enabled apps — including Hulu, Google Play Movies & TV, Fandango Now, and more — without having to switch back and forth.
The company’s efforts toward improving the user experience also include the unveiling of a simpler interface in January. The new integration also does its part by expanding the entertainment offerings. The more content the merrier, so we’re glad Vizio plans to keep it coming.
Instagram is making its way to yet another screen, and this time, Apple TV is getting a taste of the Reels rabbit hole. The company has launched a dedicated Instagram app for Apple TV, bringing Reels, longer videos, and live shows to the big screen. So, if watching one quick clip on a phone somehow turns into an hour of scrolling, there's now a much larger screen for that.
Instagram brings Reels and more to Apple TV
Audio-Technica, a brand well known for making some of the best studio and professional headphones on the market, has just come out with the ATH-AWX7000, which the company itself claims to be its "finest headphones ever." The new flagship closed-back headphone has debuted at an eye-watering price of $3,799. It combines hand-finished Japanese woodwork with a newly developed 58mm driver.
The earcups are made from Kiso cypress, a prized wood historically used for Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Each housing is finished by hand with traditional Echizen lacquer, which brings out the grain and is expected to darken over time. The frame and sliders are finished in a deep navy kachi-iro shade traditionally associated with samurai.
This post is brought to you in paid partnership with Best Buy.
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