Lenovo smart televisions use the Android operating system and are marketed as the "LeTV" in Mainland China.

Launch

In November 2011 Lenovo said it would soon unveil a smart television product called LeTV, expected for release in the first quarter of 2012. "The PC, communications and TV industries are currently undergoing a 'smart' transformation. In the future, users will have many smart devices and will desire an integrated experience of hardware, software and cloud services." Liu Jun, president of Lenovo's mobile-Internet and digital-home-business division.[1] Lenovo unveiled its first smart TV at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. The company said the set would be available for sale in Mainland China in April 2012.[2] During a keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show, Paul Jacobs of Qualcomm asked Liu Jun, head of mobile products for Lenovo, to demonstrate the K91.[3] Lenovo released the K91 in Mainland China on 8 May 2012. Lenovo opted to release its first smart television in China because it would be easier to negotiate deals for content in its home market.[4]

Hardware

Lenovo's first smart TV, the LeTV, used the Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system. The LeTV features the ability to display 3D content, a face-recognition feature designed to help parents limit the time their children spend watching TV, and voice recognition. The LeTV will be offered in 42-inch and 55-inch screen sizes.[5] The LeTV also allows smart phones and tablets to be used as remote controls.[2] As the K91 is an Android-based device, it is capable of running hundreds of applications available for download online. Lenovo has created an app store dedicated specifically to the K91.[6]

The LeTV uses a Qualcomm 8060 Snapdragon dual-core processor running at 1.5 GHz, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of flash storage, and Android 4 ICS. The LeTV has a five-megapixel webcam built into its bezel. It has a remote and game controllers. The LeTV's remote features a microphone necessary for the TV's voice recognition functions and a track pad. The game controller has track pad, and embedded motion sensor.[5][6]

In March 2014 Lenovo announced the S9 smart television. Nicknamed the "Terminator", the S9 is based on NVIDIA's powerful Tegra K1 chip. The 50-inch set has 4K resolution and runs a customised version of Android 4.2. The S9 makes use of a small removable module called a Smart Card. The Smart Card is about the size of a deck of cards, has a micro-USB port, a micro SD slot, and a proprietary 70-pin connector that plugs into the TV. The USB port and SD card slot are used for adding storage and accessories. The K1 processor resides in the Smart Card, allowing for future upgrades. The TV is controlled via a Bluetooth remote that connects to the Smart Card and works via two buttons and gesture control.[7]

Content

Lenovo has established a joint venture called iSmarTV with SMG's BesTV to offer high-definition video for streaming to the LeTV. The service currently offers more than 300,000 hours of television shows and movies. Some iSmarTV content is available in 3D.[8][9]

As of May 2012, more than 1,000 apps have been developed for the LeTV and are available from Lenovo's app store.[8] 40 apps come pre-installed on the LeTV. Apps demoed at the time of the LeTV's release include a web browser, a directory of recipes, and social media tools.[9]

Partnership with Sharp

Lenovo develops its televisions with Sharp, the Japanese electronics manufacturer known for its flat screen displays.[9]

Name

The "Le" series of devices, including the LePhone, LePad, and the LeTV are sold under the "idea" brand outside of China. The "Le" pre-fix means "happy" in Mandarin Chinese and this branding is only used in Mainland China.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ LORETTA CHAO And OWEN FLETCHER (30 November 2011). "Lenovo Sets Web-Linked TV". The Wall Street Journal.
  2. ^ a b Tuo Yannan. "Coming to a screen near you, very soon". China Daily. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
  3. ^ Jim Feldhan (17 January 2012). "CES 2012: Mainly Evolutionary". EBN. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
  4. ^ Yuntao Huang and Lee Chyen Yee (8 May 2012). "Lenovo K91 Smart TVs Launch In China". Huffington Post. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  5. ^ a b Ian Paul (14 January 2012). "Androids Invade CES 2012". PC Magazine. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
  6. ^ a b Pat Pilcher (16 January 2012). "CES Hands on: Lenovo's Android-powered TV". New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 6 February 2012.
  7. ^ "Lenovo's smart TV system grants more processing power and memory through swappable modules (Hands-on)".
  8. ^ a b Michelle Maisto (8 May 2012). "Lenovo Rolls Out Android Smart TV, Invests in Smartphone, Tablet Ventures". e Week. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  9. ^ a b c Michael Kan (8 May 2012). "Lenovo launches smart TVs in China". Computer World. Retrieved 8 May 2012.
  10. ^ Michael Kan (29 November 2011). "Lenovo Unveils New Tablets, Smartphone and Plans 'Smart TV'". T World (CIO Australia, PC Advisor). Retrieved 19 December 2011.
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