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Vizio launches Google TV-based Co-Star Stream Player with OnLive gaming support

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The Vizio Co-Star Stream Player is a Google TV-based device that also includes support for the OnLive Game Service
The Vizio Co-Star Stream Player is a Google TV-based device that also includes support for the OnLive Game Service
The universal Bluetooth remote included with the Co-Star
The Co-Star's remote features a QWERTY keypad and gaming buttons on the rear
The Vizio Co-Star won't hog a lot of space in your entertainment center
The Vizio Co-Star
The universal Bluetooth remote included with the Co-Star
The Co-Star features HDMI in and out, USB, and Ethernet ports
The Vizio Co-Star provides access to apps via Google Play
The Vizio Co-Star provides access to online content while watching live TV
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Hot on the heels of the announcement of Sony’s NSZ-GS7 set-top box, Vizio has unveiled its own Google TV-based device that merges live TV with streaming entertainment in the form of the Vizio Co-Star Stream Player. Connecting the device to a HDTV will turn it into a smart TV capable of surfing the Web full screen using Google Chrome with support for HTML 5 and Flash content, accessing Google Play apps, streaming online video content, and – in a media streamer first – playing games via the OnLive cloud gaming platform.

The Co-Star boasts support for 1080p Full HD as well as 3D content and sports built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an Ethernet port, and a USB port for connecting an external HDD, keyboard or other peripherals. There’s also DNLA support for streaming photo, music and video content from a DLNA-enabled smartphone, tablet or computer. In addition to its HDMI output port, there’s an HDMI input for connection to a cable or satellite box so users can access content via the device while watching live TV without switching TV inputs.

The universal Bluetooth remote included with the Co-Star

The unit comes bundled with a Bluetooth remote that features a touch sensitive trackpad nestled amongst the standard remote buttons, as well as dedicated buttons for Netflix, Amazon Instant Video and M-Go. Flipping the remote over reveals a physical QWERTY keyboard with directional pad and gaming buttons for use with on demand video games through the OnLive Game Service. Being a universal device, the remote can also be used to control other home entertainment devices.

Measuring 4.2-inches (10.6 cm) wide and 4.2-inches long, Vizio is selling the Co-Star for US$99.99 with pre-orders being taken from next month. It’s worth pointing out that this is the same price of the OnLive Game System, which does, however, include a controller more suited to gaming.

Source: Vizio

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1 comment
Grunchy
I just spent $29 on a iPazzPort mini keyboard for texting on my obsolete Media Center computer! One compelling feature the iPazzPort has that the Vizio remote is missing is an ability to work with Skype. Actually, since the communication is via bluetooth the Vizio remote control could easily be replaced by a tablet & app. That way Vizio could shave a few bucks off the $99 pricetag for people who already have a tablet. With cheap tablets around, I can imagine that these are the last days of dedicated remote controls.