Vizio begins update for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
- jul
- 31
So you'll be able to stream all your Apple stuff easily.
What you need to know
- The SmartCast 3.0 update brings support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit.
- It'll reach TV models as old as 2016.
- The update starts today and should hit all supports sets over the next few months.
Television manufacturer Vizio today has begun to update its sets with its SmartCast 3.0 operating system — which among other things adds support for Apple's AirPlay 2 and HomeKit features.
The update is pretty far-reaching, with sets from as far back as model year 2016 receiving the update in due time.
Vizio TVs have long supported Google's Chromecast protocol, which makes it easy to initiate (and control) a video stream from your phone, and watch it on the larger screen. AirPlay 2 is Apple's version of that. In addition to making it easy to get video and music from an iPhone or iPad onto the TV, it also makes it a simple target for Mac computers.
The addition of HomeKit turns Vizio TVs into a simple control for all of those connected devices as well — plus you'll be able to integrate the Vizio TV into whatever schemes and automations you have set up.
Vizio TVs also will get the upcoming Apple TV app as well. Currently it's available on iOS devices, Apple TV, and Samsung TVs.
Watch this
Vizio M658-G1 Quantum
A great set for just under $1,000
This 65-inch model has just about every spec you could want without going over the thousand-dollar threshold. (Before tax, anyway.)
Support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit Rolling Out Now to VIZIO SmartCastTM TVs
VIZIO SmartCast 3.0 Provides Backwards Compatibility for TVs Dating Back to 2016, Bringing More Value by Allowing Users to Stream, Control and Share Content
IRVINE, Calif. — July 31, 2019 — VIZIO, Inc. announced today that support for Apple AirPlay 2 and HomeKit is beginning to roll out to VIZIO SmartCast TVs. The new compatibility feature will roll out via an over-the-air update for VIZIO SmartCast 3.0, the latest iteration of its easy-to-use smart TV experience1. With AirPlay 2, millions of VIZIO SmartCast users can now effortlessly play videos, music, photos and more directly from their iPhone, iPad and Mac to SmartCast TVs. HomeKit, Apple's secure smart home platform, is also supported, enabling customers to easily control their SmartCast TVs using the Home app or by asking Siri. These new enhancements are beginning to roll out now and continue over the coming months to new and existing SmartCast TVs dating back to 2016.
"SmartCast 3.0 is full of added value for VIZIO customers. With both AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support, users can now share movies, TV shows, music and more from their favorite apps, including the Apple TV app, directly to SmartCast TVs, and enable TV controls through the Home app and Siri," said Bill Baxter, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. "We are thrilled to offer an even more compelling value proposition to our users with a smart TV experience that supports all three major voice assistants. This broad range of compatibility enables VIZIO SmartCast to seamlessly integrate into any household with Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa – giving users more ways to sit back and enjoy the entertainment they love."
AirPlay 2
With a simple tap of the AirPlay icon, users are able to stream 4K and Dolby VisionTM HDR movies and TV shows from the Apple TV app and other AirPlay-compatible video apps as well as music, photos and more directly from their iPhone, iPad and Mac to their SmartCast TVs2. Users can also mirror content such as web pages and presentations to their VIZIO SmartCast TVs. AirPlay 2 also features multi-room audio capabilities so VIZIO SmartCast users can enjoy a variety of content across their VIZIO SmartCast TV, HomePod or other AirPlay 2-compatible speakers at the same time, all in sync. From Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and library content to third-party compatible music services and podcasts, users have more audio streaming options than ever before.
HomeKit
HomeKit allows customers to easily and securely control smart home products using the Home app or by asking Siri on their Apple devices. VIZIO SmartCast TVs can be added to the Home app and included in scenes or automations like any other HomeKit accessory. Customers can also use iPhone and iPad to turn their SmartCast TV on or off from the Home app, change volume and switch inputs, and ask Siri from iPhone and iPad to play movies, TV shows or music with AirPlay 2.
VIZIO's 2019 4K HDR smart TV collection, featuring VIZIO SmartCast 3.0 and its most captivating assortment of premium picture quality technologies to date, is now available at retailers nationwide such as Amazon, Best Buy, Costco, Sam's Club, Target and Walmart. Pricing ranges from $259.99 MSRP for the all-new 40-inch V-Series to $3,499.99 MSRP for the flagship 75-inch P-Series Quantum X.
More information surrounding VIZIO SmartCast support for AirPlay 2 and HomeKit is available at VIZIO.com/apple.
1The SmartCast 3.0 update is available only to eligible SmartCast TVs enabled with SmartCast Home™, VIZIO's on-screen smart TV experience. 24K and Dolby Vision HDR available via select apps. iOS 12.3 or later or macOS 10.14.5 or later is required.