Earlier this week, Samsung announced their 2019 smart TV lineup would support Apple’s AirPlay 2 and iTunes movies and TV episodes streaming. Now comes word from both Vizio and Sony, who say their new smart TVs will offer support for Apple’s AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
Vizio says their recent model smart TVs will gain AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support via a software update in the second quarter of 2019. In addition to AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support, Vizio’s sets will gain Siri support.
VIZIO, Inc. announced today the latest iteration of its easy-to-use smart TV experience, VIZIO SmartCast 3.0, which will offer unparalleled value to consumers through new seamless integrations, features and content offerings. With support for Apple AirPlay 2, millions of VIZIO SmartCast users can effortlessly play videos, music, photos and more directly from their iPhone, iPad and Mac to SmartCast TVs. HomeKit, Apple’s secure smart home platform, will also be supported, enabling customers to easily control their SmartCast TVs using the Home app or by asking Siri. Support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit on VIZIO SmartCast TVs will be available for registered beta members across the U.S. and Canada to experience in Q1 2019. Following the beta, VIZIO SmartCast 3.0 will roll out via free cloud-based updates to new and existing SmartCast TVs and displays in Q2 2019.
VIZIO SmartCast 3.0 will also add new Google Assistant and Alexa functionalities along with updates to the user interface.
More information surrounding VIZIO SmartCast 3.0 will be available closer to launch. To learn more about support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit, Google Assistant or Alexa visit VIZIO.com.
In related news, Sony says their new A9G OLED 4K and Z9G 8K LCD will receive updates to add AirPlay 2 and HomeKit integration, the X950G series will also receive the update.
Sony Z9G Series, A9G Series, X950G Series TVs will be compatible with Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. AirPlay 2 lets you effortlessly stream content from your iPhone, iPad and Mac right to your Sony TV. Watch movies and TV shows from iTunes and your other video apps, and view photos directly on your Sony TV.
Listen to Apple Music, your iTunes music library, podcasts and your other music services on your television and AirPlay 2 speakers throughout the home — all in sync. HomeKit lets you easily and securely control smart home products using the Home app or by asking Siri on your Apple devices. These TVs can be added to the Home app and included in scenes or automations with other HomeKit accessories.
For example, users can create a “Movie Night” scene in the Home app to easily turn on their TV and dim the lights, and simply ask Siri to launch the scene. AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support will launch in Z9G Series, A9G Series, X950G Series later this year.
Pricing and retail availability will be announced in spring 2019. For more information on Sony televisions, visit www.sony.com/electronics/tv/t/televisions
