Polaroid partners with Google in smart TV move

Google Cast

Iconic camera brand Polaroid is making a push into the smart TV space, unveiling its first line of Google-powered, 4K TV models.

The Ultra HD, LED televisions are due to start shipping this summer and will incorporate Google’s Cast technology, allowing viewers to ‘cast’ entertainment, movie and music content from their phone, tablet or laptop to their TV.

“We’re excited to announce we are working closely with Google to bring our first 4K UHD connected TV line to market later this summer,” said Polaroid president and CEO, Scott Hardy.

“By teaming up with a company such as Google, we are able to offer consumers the latest in TV technology so they can easily share and enjoy their favourite content, and more importantly, deliver tremendous value to those looking to upgrade to a higher-resolution.”

Polaroid, which announced its partnership with Google at the internet firm’s I/O developer conference last week, said that Google Cast’s system offers more apps and frequent updates than many dedicated smart-TV systems more than 1,000 Cast-enabled apps now available.

The Polaroid 4K UHD connected line will come in screen sizes ranging from 43-inches to 65-inches, priced at between US$500 and US$1,000. A 75-inch screen model is due to launch in Q4 and will be priced at US$1,900.