Today, TCL Corporation announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its Roku TV business to Google. This move signals a shift in the TV industry, as Google is now the leading player in the market. The new Google TVs will continue to be sold through TCL’s retail channels and online store. The company also plans to release a new Roku app that will allow users to stream live and on-demand content from their Google TVs. “This is an important day for TCL as we enter into a new era where technology is driving consumer choice,” said CEO Michael Rubin. “We are excited about the opportunities that this partnership will bring us, including developing innovative products and services for our customers.”
TCL’s New 5- And 6-Series TVs With Google TV
TCL announced two different models featuring Google TV as the OS. Both bring slightly different features to the table, but the primary detail is that they come with the full Google TV experience.
First, there are the 5-Series models, which are available in 50, 55, 65, and 75-inch varieties. They feature an edge-to-edge glass design that’ll look clean in any room. These have all sorts of picture quality features, including 4K resolution, support for HDR, variable refresh rates, and so on. For a 55-inch screen, the price is $649.99.
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The more expensive 6-Series models feature some improvements over the 5-Series. Instead of a traditional LED display, it features mini-LED backlight display technology. This creates higher contrast and brighter images. For gamers, this model comes with a THX Certified Game Mode that promises to maintain the picture quality without sacrificing latency. For this model, the 55-inch version will set you back $949.99, which is quite a bit cheaper than most mini-LEG models.
While TCL may be releasing a display with Google TV as the OS, the company is not eliminating its relationship with Roku. When we reached out for comment, a TCL representative said, “TCL will continue to sell televisions running Roku alongside Google TV and support both operating systems going forward.”
Where Can You Get One of TCL’s New Google TV Displays?
Currently, the TCL 5-Series models with Google TV are available for preorder now from TCL’s website. If you’re interested in the higher-end 6-Series, the 55 and 65-inch are available for preorder now, and the 75-inch version will follow at a later date.
