Swedish-based tech company People of Lava has revealed an Android-powered HDTV, with the internet-connected television using the Android OS to handle web functions – and offering the full range of Google apps.
The TV itself comes in sizes from 42″ to 55″, offers the “full HD” 1080p viewing experience as long as you’ve got something to output at that resolution, is LED-lit for efficiency and has two SCART sockets if you’re blissfully unaware of why people are buying HDTVs.
Here’s what it looks like:
Android site This Android Life has a nice interview with the boss of the Lava today, in which he confirms the TVs will be running a custom UI and that the sets will launch at Euro trade show IFA this September.
PoL also claims the HDTV will be able to internally decode HD video at up to 720p resolution, and it’ll also come with a wireless keyboard so you won’t have to fiddle about on a tiny remote control. Link via Wired and Pocket-Lint.
Here’s the full press release. It’s very bizarre and reads like a nice piece of haiku.
A WINDOW TO THE WORLD
There was a time when we were not yet connected.
When we didn‘t know. When we couldn‘t choose.
We were isolated then. Islands, floating about, without interconnectivty. It was a lonely time. It was boring.But then, one day, all that changed. Suddenly, we spoke! Suddenly, we saw, showed and we shared.
That day is today. Welcome to open your window to the world.Scandinavia – Window to the World
TV, Internet, Multimedia, Internet and Social Media – all interconnected.
Finally, it´s here.
The Android(TM)-based (or Google TV as some call it) television from People of Lava.
Watch TV, chat with your friends, play Youtube-clips, surf the net.
This is your window to the world!
Apps, apps, apps!…
Out-of the box – your Scandinavia Window to the World comes pre-loaded with your favorite applications. YouTube, Google Maps, Weather, Time, Calendar and Internet Browser! But this is just the start. From the Lava App Store new applications will become available, both free and payed! From the start there’s Facebook, Twitter, E-mail and more!Surf the net
Your Scandinavia Television has a built-in web-browser, based on Webkit (the foundation of many current web-browsers. So surf the web like you are used to!Facebook(TM)
We all love it, don’t we? Facebook! Your Scandinavia MediaTV has Facebook, ready to go! Read more about Facebook here http://www.facebook.com.Youtube(TM)
Youtube, yet another brilliant platform from Google. Watch your favorite clips, and let your video-world come alive!Google Maps(TM)
No further introduction required. Google Maps from Google is just the best way to map your trip, check how close that hotel is to the beach, or just zoom in on your own house!
Why use a separate computer for your emails? With the build-in mail program, use your Scandinavia to check your emails!Twitter(TM)
Another great application with no further introduction required. Your Scandinavia television comes with Twitter available. Read more here http://twitter.com/.Open Source
The Scandinavia television from People of Lava is based on Google’s operating-system Android(TM). Read more here http://www.android.com. This is a small, efficient, fast, power-saving operating-system. And it´s “Open Source”, which means that 1000’s and 1000’s enthusiastic skilled developers around the world will make “apps” (applications) for the TV. Apps that you can download and install! And so will we – So expect a continuous flow of new cool apps to give you even more to view through your window!Your window
Finally, it´s all about you. Your time, your content, your friends.
Your window to the world.
Welcome!
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Merago
/ April 5, 2010These are great looking sets, and the custom UI looks pretty good too, but I wonder how well it will all convert to a big screen.
I had the chance to fire a few questions at People of Lava and found out a bit more about their plans for the sets:-
http://www.thisandroidlife.com/2010/04/interview-with-people-of-lava-manufacturers-of-the-scandinavia-a-tv-with-android-built-in.html