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"Remember the Vizio VAP430 Stream Player that we tried during CES? Half a year later, the Google TV hub is getting full launch details, just in time for Google I/O. Along with receiving the much more elegant title of Co-Star Stream Player, the set-top box now bakes in OnLive streaming game support -- the Co-Star could, in theory, replace a game console for any American with a good broadband connection. Whether or not playing Just Cause 2 on a TV is in the cards, the hub ticks all the 2012 Google TV checkboxes, including a hybrid keyboard and remote, 3D-capable 1080p video and DLNA media sharing. Before you rush to the local big-box store to pick one up, be warned that pre-orders don't start until July, and then only on Vizio's website. The $100 price, however, will make it considerably easier to wait.Show full PR text      VIZIO Launches The VIZIO Co-Star&amp;trade; With Google TV Giving Users The Power To Turn Any HDTV Into The Ultimate Smart TV     IRVINE, Calif., June 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- VIZIO, America's #1 LCD HDTV Company*, announced today the launch of the highly anticipated VIZIO Co-Star&amp;trade; Stream Player. Using the latest version of Google TV&amp;trade;, the VIZIO Co-Star makes it easy to transform any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV, merging live and streaming entertainment into one intuitive and easy experience. With VIZIO's new stream player, users get instant access to thousands of apps, full-screen web browsing capabilities-via Google Chrome&amp;trade; with Adobe&amp;reg; Flash&amp;reg; Player and HTML 5 support-and the best in streaming entertainment.     Unique to the stream player market, the VIZIO Co-Star offers the distinct advantage of connecting to a cable or satellite box. This allows viewers to enjoy live TV along with the web, apps, OnLive cloud gaming, and other streaming entertainment without interrupting what they're already watching. This integrated experience along with the universal touchpad remote with keyboard eliminates the need to switch TV inputs or remotes to access alternative content and provides viewers with a truly smart TV experience.     \"Our focus to deliver the best consumer experience continues with today's announcement of the Co-Star, which delivers a superior smart TV interface that anyone can add to their existing HDTV,\" said Matt McRae, VIZIO's Chief Technology Officer. \"We combined the powerful features of Google TV&amp;trade; with an intuitive and easy to use interface, giving users the power to enjoy an entire world of entertainment.\"     The added benefit of Google TV's powerful search feature lets viewers easily browse websites, hunt for streaming movies or locate their favorite TV shows; and with picture-in-picture technology, it can all be done while simultaneously watching live TV action.     In addition to favorite apps such as Netflix&amp;reg;, Amazon Instant Video, M-GO, YouTube&amp;reg; and iHeartRadio, the VIZIO Co-Star is the first stream player to offer video games on demand through the OnLive&amp;reg; Game Service. OnLive allows users to demo, watch and play hundreds of top-tier video games directly from 'the cloud' via their VIZIO Co-Star, eliminating the need for users to own an independent game console. With easy access to thousands of apps through Google Play, Co-Star offers the most comprehensive stream player available today.     Complementing the overall experience, the VIZIO Co-Star includes a universal Bluetooth&amp;reg; remote with an innovative touchpad that lets you touch, tap, scroll and drag. A full QWERTY keyboard helps users search for their favorite entertainment. Plus, its universal feature makes it easy to control home entertainment devices with one remote.     The VIZIO Co-Star incorporates a number of power user features intended to satisfy the variety of user demands, starting with support for 1080p Full HD and 3D entertainment. Built-in 802.11n Wi-Fi provides easy wireless Internet access without unsightly wires. Integrated USB port connects to hard drives, keyboards and other peripherals. The VIZIO Co-Star even enables viewers to enjoy photos, music, and movies from any DLNA-enabled phone, tablet, or computer on the TV screen.     The VIZIO Co-Star exceeds expectations by combining a definitive user experience with a powerful smart TV platform, resulting in an all-in-one solution that brings the ultimate smart TV experience to any HDTV.     The VIZIO CO-Star will be available for pre-orders in July 2012 only on VIZIO.com for $99.99, with an introductory free shipping offer, while supplies last.     *IHS iSuppli Corporation Research Q2 2012 Market Tracker Report of Q1 2012.     **High-speed/broadband Internet service and access equipment are required and not provided by VIZIO. Additional fees and/or subscriptions may be required for certain content and services. VIZIO makes no warranties, representations, or assurances of any kind as to the content, availability, or functionality of third party content or services."^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.engadget.com/2012/06/26/vizio-google-tv-box-emerges-as-the-co-star-stream-player/?ncid=rss_semi>