Take a closer look at Vizio's VIA Phone, an Android smartphone with an integrated IR blaster that allows it to act as a universal remote.
Donald Bell
Donald Bell has spent more than five years as a CNET senior editor, reviewing everything from MP3 players to the first three generations of the Apple iPad. He currently devotes his time to producing How To content for CNET, as well as weekly episodes of CNET's Top 5 video series.
The Vizio VIA Phone is an Android phone with a 4-inch touch screen due out in the summer of 2011. The price has yet to be announced.
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Back of phone
The back of the Vizio VIA Phone includes a 5-megapixel camera (no flash) and a pair of integrated speakers.
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Back of VIA
Here's another shot of the back of the Vizio phone, in its entirety.
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Right side of phone
The right side of the Vizio phone includes a volume rocker and mute switch.
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Top of phone
The top of the Vizio phone offers a headphone jack, power button/screen lock, and a hidden feature: an IR blaster. Coupled with Vizio's own remote control software, the IR blaster can be used to control up to 95 percent of IR-controlled consumer A/V equipment.
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Bottom of phone
The bottom of the VIA Phone includes a USB sync port and mini HDMI port, which can output video at up to 1080p.
