X

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.

Jessica Dolcourt Senior Director, Commerce & Content Operations
Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).
Expertise Content strategy, team leadership, audience engagement, iPhone, Samsung, Android, iOS, tips and FAQs.
Jessica Dolcourt
Watch this: 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.

Vizio VIA Phone (photos)

See all photos