*VIDAA U5 is the latest and fastest iteration of Hisense’s proprietary Operating System (OS) and will be available on 2021 Hisense ULED TVs
*The TVs will feature built-in Google Assistant in addition to existing Amazon Alexa support, giving Australian customers greater flexibility when it comes to voice control
*Select models will also deliver seamless ‘hands-free’ voice control thanks to embedded far-field voice control technology
*Content continues to be king with even more apps and streaming options to be available on Hisense TVs next year, including a new content partnership with Kayo
SYDNEY, 5 January 2021 – Hisense Australia today announces it will launch a new Smart TV OS in 2021 with the introduction of VIDAA U5, its fastest ever OS.*
As Hisense’s proprietary OS, VIDAA U5 will be available across the majority of Hisense’s 2021 Australian TV range and will feature a number of key performance improvements and updates that aim to enhance the user experience and make TV viewing easier than ever before. It will also feature a range of new apps including leading sports streaming platform, Kayo, thanks to a new content partnership.
“Australians’ use of smart devices has accelerated this year, particularly with connectivity and content becoming a key part of our lives as we spent more time at home with family, enjoying the entertainment and light relief offered by our Smart TVs,” said Andre Iannuzzi, Head of Marketing at Hisense Australia.
“At Hisense Australia we strive to continually improve and update our smart TV offering to ensure our customers have the best user experience possible. 2021 is no exception and we are very pleased to be introducing VIDAA U5. From advanced voice control functionality to the addition of new apps that will be a gateway to hours of new content, VIDAA U5 aims to make TV viewing easier and more enjoyable than ever,” he added.
Optimised user experience
Improvements to the system’s interface, performance and speed will significantly enhance ease of use, with VIDAA U5 boasting a 20 per cent faster* launcher load time of just 1.7 seconds, smoother scrolling and a new optimised universal search. A more compact and visual layout also improves the user experience by exposing more content on the screen to decrease the user’s browsing time.
“We anticipate the faster, more responsive OS interface offered by VIDAA U5 will be positively received by content-hungry Aussies, especially considering there will be even more entertainment and sports content to browse on the platform in the new year,” said Chris Mayer Product Specialist and National Retail Training Manager at Hisense Australia.
The first of many new apps to feature on VIDAA U5 next year will be Kayo, in line with Hisense’s long-term passion for sport. Boasting the biggest line-up of Australian and international sports, Kayo offers new and live sports content as well as historic replays, meaning sports fans can keep up with every try, goal and big hit from throughout the years.
A new VIDAA SmartRemote Mobile App is also on the horizon for both iOS and Android mobile smartphone users. SmartRemote will allow TV owners to control their TV using their smart phone instead of a traditional remote. This can come in handy in busy households where remotes may occasionally be misplaced, ensuring no one misses out on watching their favourite programs or movies when they want to.
Completely hands-free voice control
Making voice control even easier is the introduction of far-field technology** that effectively allows TV users to make commands using Amazon Alexa completely hands-free, without needing to press a microphone button on a remote. This is because the TVs themselves will have integrated microphones that are equipped with sophisticated voice recognition technology that can pick up on commands across the room. The way far-field is designed means users are be able to use their regular tone of voice to carry out tasks like switching the TV on and off, turning up the volume or changing from one Stan program to another, without having to lift a finger.
Australians can take control of more than just their TV thanks to Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which will come built-in on Hisense’s 2021 TVs with VIDAA U5.
“This update means that your TV can be used as your main smart home hub. This means you can use it to turn your smart lights on, check your schedule for the week and ask for the latest news updates with an on-screen response, without needing a separate smart device,” added Mayer.
For consumers that do not want to take advantage of far-field technology or in-built Alexa and Google, both a hardware and software toggle is available to turn off these features for peace of mind.
Android TVs to be available
Android fans will be pleased to hear that Hisense will also be launching a select number of Android TV models in 2021.
More information about these TVs and others in the 2021 Hisense range will be shared in the lead up to and during the Consumer Electronics Show, which is being held virtually from January 11 – 14, 2021.
To keep across the latest CES news from Hisense Australia, visit: https://ces2021.hisense.com.au/
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Notes to Editor
*Compared to Hisense VIDAA U4
**Far-field microphone technology will only be available on Hisense ULED TVs from the 2021 product range. It is only compatible with use of Amazon Alexa.
Australia
