VIZIO unveils next era of Smart TV with launch of 2018 SmartCast OS

Tuesday, April 10th, 2018
VIZIO logo

VIZIO Unveils Next Era of Smart TV with Launch of the 2018 SmartCast™ OS

  • Free Cloud-Based Updates Add New Features, Making VIZIO SmartCast OS Ideal for All Users with Intuitive Interface, Smart Home Voice-Control Support and More

IRVINE, Calif. — VIZIO, Inc. unveiled today its 2018 SmartCast OS, providing everyday users, cord-cutters and smart home enthusiasts with an unparalleled smart TV experience. SmartCast OS brings popular apps to the TV screen for easy access, serves as the ideal smart home companion with voice support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and grants access to thousands of Google Chromecast-enabled apps. The 2018 SmartCast OS debuts today on all 2018 VIZIO smart TVs and will continue to roll out via free cloud-based updates to all 2016 and 2017 VIZIO SmartCast 4K Ultra HD models.

VIZIO SmartCast OS 2018

“The 2018 SmartCast OS truly enables smart TV for all. Whether you seek simplicity, are looking for value and endless content options or are in search of a smart home entertainment centerpiece, SmartCast is the answer,” said Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. “The versatility of SmartCast is complemented by our ability to push out free, cloud-based updates to users at any time. So regardless of when a user purchased their SmartCast product, they will be able to enjoy the latest apps, features and enhancements without having to wait on downloads.”

The 2018 SmartCast OS is a versatile smart TV solution that delivers the latest in 4K Ultra HD and HDR entertainment. SmartCast accommodates a range of users, from those simply seeking easy-to-use smart TV features, to cord-cutters and even smart home enthusiasts. SmartCast Home™ brings popular, must-have apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Vudu, iHeartRadio, Crackle, Xumo and Pluto TV(1). Content recommendations also appear on SmartCast Home, which features easy-to-browse free and trending content suggestions that are instantly accessible with the included remote. If users know what they want to watch, but need help finding it, the Universal Search feature conveniently enables searching across multiple apps at once.

Offering voice-control support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, SmartCast also serves as the perfect smart home companion. This compatibility allows users to control their TVs without lifting a finger. By utilizing spoken commands, users can turn their TVs on and off, change channels or adjust volume – and for Google Assistant users, even stream content to the TV.

The 2018 VIZIO SmartCast OS provides users with an incredible array of live TV features, including a built-in TV tuner, giving cord-cutters access to free local broadcast TV via an over-the-air antenna(2). Additionally, with Google Chromecast built-in, users have access to thousands of Chromecast-enabled apps. The free SmartCast Mobile™ app allows users to turn their smartphones into a touchscreen remote that allows them to browse and control a range of free, subscription and paid content from Chromecast-enabled apps.

Coming soon, the VIZIO SmartCast platform will also include YouTube TV and a new steaming service geared to cord-cutters. Designed to take the entertainment experience one step further, the soon-to-launch streaming service will allow cord-cutters to stream from over one hundred free streaming Internet channels. This new feature will feel like a traditional cable TV service without the boxes, antennas and, most importantly, the subscription fees. From news to sports, movies, talk shows, concerts and more, users will be able to browse the on-screen guide and select from a variety of free streaming selections – all without subscriptions or transaction fees.

1. The third party applications and content described herein may only be available in certain countries and languages, may require additional fees or subscription charges, and may be subject to future updates, modifications, interruption and/or discontinuation of service without notice, and VIZIO has no control over such content.
2. Over-the-air antenna sold separately.