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CES: Vizio's VIA Android smartphone also a remote control
Vizio has departed from its TV-centric outlook this CES by announcing its first-ever Android smartphone. Hidden hardware makes it an automatic remote control.
Vizio phone
LAS VEGAS--Vizio announced its first-ever smartphone at a press conference ahead of CES today. The Vizio VIA is an Android phone. It's got a 4-inch touch screen that sports a Vizio skin on its interface, a 5-megapixel camera, and a mini HDMI-out port.
The most significant characteristic, however, is the IR blaster, which, when coupled with a Vizio app, can control the also-just-announced Vizio tablet (we got a hands-on), and compatible Vizio TVs. It should also control 95 percent of other infrared-controlled devices, Vizio said.
Vizio isn't ready to announce pricing, carriers, or a whole lot of other specs. We do know the VIA is expected to hit shelves this summer. Check out our First Look video and photo gallery for more details and a good look at the VIA handset.
