The term "smart," in its essence, denotes intelligence and signifies a new era of devices endowed with features not present in their predecessors from previous generations.
For instance, smartphones—there are no other types now—grant access to the Internet and can execute numerous tasks akin to those performed on computers: photography, movie streaming, music playback, document handling, email correspondence, gaming, and more, often featuring virtual assistants.
Such multifaceted functions were absent in older phone models, which primarily focused on calls and SMS.
In simpler terms:
Just as technology and capabilities transformed basic phones into smartphones, ordinary TVs have evolved into smart TVs.
This evolution primarily involves connecting the old and relatively "dumb" TV, typically connected to an HDTV antenna, to the internet, thereby unlocking access to an unlimited array of channels and applications.
Nevertheless, the core function of the TV—watching shows, movies, sports events, or programs—remains unchanged.
Essential Smart Features for Your Modern TV:
Apps: Your TV will likely come preloaded with popular apps, or you can easily install them from the app store. Examples include Netflix, Amazon Video, Facebook, Yandex, Twitter, Smarttv Club, and others, offering high-quality video content streaming.
1. Web Browser: Most smart TV models feature a built-in web browser, allowing you to browse the internet, view photos, and read news without leaving your couch.
2. Streaming: A vital function is the ability to cast content from your smartphone or computer to your TV screen wirelessly. This feature, often underestimated in its potential, eliminates the need for additional devices like Google Chromecast.
3. Voice Recognition: Many smart TVs come equipped with microphones and speech recognition capabilities, enabling integration with voice assistants such as Google Assistant, Apple Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, or Yandex Alisa. This functionality extends to potential control over your TV and future smart home setups. If you're considering purchasing a TV with a built-in microphone, it's essential to review security considerations.
Indispensable Functions for Your SMART TV:
- Internet Connection: Your modern TV must connect to the internet, typically via Wi-Fi, to unlock its smart features. For streaming 4K Ultra HD and higher format content, like Netflix movies and series, a minimum bandwidth of 25 Mbps is recommended.
- TV License or Provider Connection: Access to channels or broadcasts usually requires either a TV license or a connection to a service provider.
Which SMART TV brand and operating system should you choose?
Smart TVs are offered by all major TV manufacturers, including LG, Panasonic, Samsung, and Sony. However, each brand comes with its own set of features, advantages, and drawbacks. Similar to selecting the operating system for your smartphone—like Android or Apple iOS—SMART TVs also operate on distinct operating systems, as discussed below:
LG's Operating System: webOS
webOS is one of the most popular TV operating systems, having undergone significant evolution since its inception in 2014. It boasts a user-friendly interface and encompasses nearly all the amenities one might need. Notably, LG offers the 'Magic' remote, allowing for two distinct control modes.
Additionally, LG's webOS facilitates the integration of household appliances and displays notifications. For instance, you can receive alerts when your washing machine finishes a cycle.
Android TV Operating System
Android TV stands out for its extensive potential and meticulous design. Any smart TV equipped with Android features a built-in Chromecast, enabling seamless streaming of content from your phone or computer directly to the TV without the need for cables. Moreover, Android TV integrates seamlessly with popular Google products like Google Assistant. However, the downside lies in its non-uniform experience and interface across different brands and manufacturers, as it is an open-source platform with inherent risks and complexities.
Samsung's Operating System: TizenOS
TizenOS is Samsung's proprietary operating system utilized in all their products except smartphones. While TizenOS faced security issues in the past, notably in 2015, Samsung has since prioritized security and emerged as a leader in the SMART TV market. Visually appealing, TizenOS lacks the sophistication of some other operating systems but has carved its unique developmental path. Notably, Samsung's higher-end models feature voice control functionality (Bixby), allowing control over not only the smart TV but also various home appliances and smart home systems.
Fire TV Edition
Developed by Amazon for use in Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Edition offers integration with Amazon Alexa for voice control and home management. However, it lacks some expected applications in the Amazon Appstore, notably YouTube and Google Play Store apps. Despite being based on open-source Android code, users cannot download apps from the Google Play Store. Nevertheless, popular applications are available, albeit with exceptions like YouTube.
Roku Operating System
Roku's operating system is embedded in TVs from various manufacturers, including TLC, Element, Insignia, Philips, Sharp, RCA, Hitachi, and Hisense. Its primary advantage lies in its extensive library of applications, offering users access to a wide range of content options.
Choosing the Best Operating System for SMART TV
Each operating system boasts its unique features and potentials, and their evolution is ongoing, making it challenging to definitively declare a winner. However, some considerations can guide your decision-making process:
Amazon Fire may lack some apps, including YouTube and Google Play Store, while Tizen OS might be less intuitive in terms of navigation. If you prioritize simplicity and minimalist design, consider WebOS. For maximum app availability, opt for Roku. In terms of the future of voice assistants, Android TV, backed by Google's extensive resources and plans, appears promising.
