If you don't follow the thrilling and fast-paced world of home appliances, you might be forgiven for never having heard of a company called Haier. The China-based consumer electronics and home appliance manufacturer made headlines in 2016 when it announced it would be buying General Electric's appliance division for $5.4 billion. Aside from making kitchen appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers, and microwave ovens, Haier's product line also includes washers, air conditioners, televisions, and even computers, smartphones, and Chromebooks.
One year ago, at CES 2017, Haier announced their first TV sets that came with Chromecast built in. Of course, Chromecast support allows users to stream or mirror content from their smartphones, but it isn't always as convenient as a full-fledged smart TV system with something like Android TV built in — which is precisely what Haier is showcasing at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.
The new TVs are set to launch in North America in mid-2018 and will come in either FHD or 4K UHD, as well as in a range of screen sizes. They will also be running the latest version of Android Oreo. Among other things, this means you'll be able to do anything from playing games to controlling the lights through Google Assistant. Haier will also be launching their Android TVs globally, though they haven't specified when and in which countries.
With more and more TVs and displays launching with Android TV built in, there are progressively fewer and fewer reasons to buy a dedicated smart TV device.
PRESS RELEASE
Haier Announces New Global, Google Android TV Partnership at CES 2018
LAS VEGAS, Jan. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CES, Booth #11421 -- Haier, a global leader in consumer electronics and appliances, announces an expanded partnership with Google to launch multiple series of Google Android TV products globally in 2018.
"Haier is expanding on the success of Haier Chromecast built in televisions, by taking the next step and enhancing our partnership with Google on a global basis," said John Homlish, President Haier America's Digital Products Group.
With Android TV, your favorite content is always front and center. So whether you're looking for a new show to binge watch or just want to pick up where you left off, you get what you want when you want it. Android TV is a smarter way to watch.
Launching initially in North America in mid-2018, and built on the latest Android Oreo™ OS, the new Haier - Google Android TV series will incorporate the latest technology in FHD and 4K UHD TV and continues Haier's commitment to the Google ecosystem. Homlish went on to say, "We are thrilled to partner with Google to provide our customers with the Android TV Smart platform. As the home quickly becomes smarter, Google is leading the way and we are excited to provide customers with an entertainment experience that integrates seamlessly into the Google eco-system with the Google Assistant built-in."
With Google Assistant you can quickly find the latest blockbuster, check the score of the big game or dim the lights – all without leaving what you are watching. And with the Google Play Store for Android TV, whatever you're into from YouTube TV to Netflix to tons of games – there's an app you're sure to love including:
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Access to over 40 million songs
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Buy or rent all the newest movies and shows - plus your favorites, way before they hit DVD
In addition, the Google Assistant works with more than 1,000 smart devices (and growing) from 150 popular brands and will be built into all Haier Android TVs at introduction.
Haier will showcase the new products at CES 2018 in Central Hall Booth #11421.
Founded in 1984, the Haier Group is today the world's leading brand of major household appliances, with global revenues amounting to RMB 241 billion and profits of RMB 30 billion in 2017. Haier has been named the number one Major Home Appliance brand every year for the last nine years by Euromonitor International, a world leader in strategy research for consumer markets, and is now transforming from a traditional manufacturer to an open entrepreneurship platform. In the era of the Internet and post e-commerce, Haier will extend its ecosystem to social networks and community economies while enhancing the user value of Haier products and services and instilling integrity as a core competence throughout the Group. Haier aims to become a global leader in the era of the Internet of Things.
