Toshiba joins hands with Amazon, launches budget-friendly Fire TV
What's the story
Leading electronics maker Toshiba has added a budget-friendly 4k TV into its expansive line of appliances. The television set has been developed in partnership with Amazon and comes integrated with Fire TV for a full-fledged smart TV experience. It will be available exclusively via Amazon and Best Buy in different screen sizes. Here's everything you need to know about it.
Models
4k resolution across four screen sizes
The new Amazon-backed Toshiba TV comes in three screen sizes: 43-inch, 50-inch, and 55-inch. Though all models sport 4k Ultra HD resolution (over 8 million pixels), the biggest is the only one that offers Dolby Vision, an HDR format that offers an expanded range of contrast and superior brightness. It adjusts picture quality, colors scene-by-scene, thereby making the entire viewing experience completely immersive.
Benefit
Plus, you get all the perks of Fire TV
Along with an incredible viewing experience, the new Toshiba TV also promises all the perks of Fire TV, The Verge reported. First, you get a comprehensive set of streaming applications, including the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO, SHOWTIME, STARZ, and more. Then, there's support for Alexa skills, like getting weather updates, and a voice remote for launching shows with simple voice commands.
Price
How much this TV costs?
The 55-inch variant of the TV set, with Dolby Vision, comes at a price tag of $449.99, which translates to Rs. 31,300 in India. Meanwhile, the 43-inch and 50-inch models have been priced at $330 (Rs. 23,000) and $380 (Rs. 26,400), respectively. The 55-inch model is currently selling via Amazon.com but there's no word on when it might be available in India.
Strategy
Amazon boosting Fire TV adoption with TV integration
The latest Toshiba-branded television shows Amazon's eagerness to boost the adoption of Fire TV, and therefore its Prime subscription. Currently, Fire TV products (Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, and Fire TV Cube) have nearly 34 million monthly active users. However, the number could rise significantly with integrated TV sets; the company has already launched over 20 Fire TV-integrated televisions with different partners.