- TCL is now selling Android TV-based smart televisions in the US.
- The 32-inch model is priced at $130 at Best Buy, while the 40-inch version costs $200.
- TCL previously only sold smart TVs with the Roku OS in the US.
The Android TV operating system has always lagged behind the more popular Roku OS and Amazon Fire TV OS for smart television makers. Now, one of the biggest Roku smart TV makers, TCL, has just announced its first two models with Android TV installed.
In a press release, the company says its Series 3 TVs with Android TV on board are now on sale. At the moment, they are exclusive to Best Buy. You can purchase the 32-inch version with a 720p resolution for $129.99, while the 40-inch model, with a 1080p resolution, is on sale for $199.99.
The Android TV TCL models both have Google Assistant installed for voice commands along with built-in support for Chromecast-based apps. TCL did not indicate any plans to ditch selling its highly popular Roku-based smart TVs in its press release, saying its new Android TV devices are part of its “latest multi-OS strategy.”
A resurgence for Android TV?
The TCL Android TV models are a welcome addition to Google’s smart TV OS push. The Series 3 models should be a big hit for people looking for smart TVs while on a budget. The most well-known smart TV maker that uses Android TV up until now has been Sony, and their televisions are typically much more expensive than the ones with Roku or Amazon Fire TV installed.
Recently, the TiVo Stream 4K dongle with Android TV launched, with an introductory price of $49.99. This week, renders leaked showing that Google might be developing its own Android TV dongle for a launch in the near future. All in all, it looks like Android TV might be getting a second wind.
Will you be picking up the new Android TC TCL smart televisions?
