Acer AiTV brings 4K Google TV dwelling – Gadget

What is it?

The Acer 4K UHD Digital Media field, branded because the Acer AiTV, is the corporate’s first streaming product and the primary time South Africa has led a worldwide launch for the model. Plug it into any HDMI port and a typical tv turns into a full 4K Google TV system with an app catalogue equal to the world’s most superior sensible TVs.

Glenn Du Toit, nation supervisor for Acer Africa, launched the system at a Johannesburg launch by reminding the viewers that Acer’s hyperlink with Google stretches again to the primary Chromebooks: “We were the first vendor to bring Google Chromebooks into the market back in 2012, particularly for education. Since then, we’ve learned how Google works and how its ecosystems connect, which led us naturally to Google TV.”

He made it clear that the transfer into streaming {hardware} as a deliberate enlargement somewhat than a facet undertaking: “Some people said it’s quite a cluttered space. Why are we playing there? Because Android TV and Google TV are not the same thing.  Android is just smart streaming, while Google TV is intelligent viewership.”

In use, Android TV treats every app as an island, whereas Google TV teams by style, choice, and profile. “If you search for the latest James Bond movie, Google TV shows every app that has it; you ask once, it does the rest,” mentioned Du Toit. “The days of search are literally gone. We’re shifting from search to ask.”

The AiTV runs Android 14 with the Google TV interface on an Amlogic S905X5 quad-core Cortex-A55 CPU and Mali-G31 MP2 GPU. It helps 4K UHD output at 60 fps however decodes video as much as 75 fps, giving it overhead for future 4K codecs. Codec assist contains AV1, VP9, HEVC (H.265) and H.264, guaranteeing effectivity throughout present and next-generation streams.

Audio functionality extends to Dolby Audio, DTS passthrough, and Dolby Atmos over HDMI 2.1 eARC or optical S/PDIF. Connectivity covers dual-band Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Gigabit Ethernet, USB-A, USB-C, and MicroSD. The USB-C port provides energy and helps peripherals like webcams or exterior drives.

Local playback is totally supported. The AiTV reads MKV, MP4 and MOV recordsdata from USB or MicroSD storage – nonetheless vital the place streaming is proscribed or capped. During testing, the field dealt with 4K streaming and offline playback with out stutter. HDR10+ output on an OLED panel remained constant, and switching between Netflix, YouTube and Showmax was fast. Both a TV button and “Live TV” button could be customised to allocate apps that aren’t already displayed on the distant management unit. For instance, my devoted TV button is now a devoted Showmax button.

The interface itself might be leaner: Acer’s further content material rows duplicate Google TV’s structure. It works, however provides muddle. Account administration additionally stays awkward; a single Google login governs profiles, which suggests watch histories overlap in shared households. Separate Google accounts could be arrange, however that provides yet one more layer to the content material entry course of.

Voice management performs nicely for search however over-listens. It responded to atypical dialog, prompting a right away disable.  Smart assistants could hear greater than we intend.

The AiTV’s inside design prioritises ahead compatibility. According to Acer’s technical workforce, the processor’s AI Super Resolution engine makes use of onboard intelligence to upscale lower-resolution video by analysing pixel patterns somewhat than merely stretching frames. The {hardware} additionally helps Quick Media Switching to remove the black-screen delay when altering apps.

Du Toit confirmed that the unit was prepared for Gemini AI as soon as Google enabled regional rollout. He sees this as the muse for dwelling automation: “Smart just means connected. AI brings understanding. Your hub keeps coming back to a single point in the house — the Acer AiTV box.”

Acer has produced a streaming unit that merges robust decoding specs with a reputable roadmap for AI integration. It is a uncommon case the place a South African workforce drove each the {hardware} design and the product narrative.

How a lot does it value?

The AiTV sells for about R1,499 via Incredible Connection, Computer Mania, Takealot and Amazon South Africa. Distribution begins domestically earlier than increasing globally.

Why do you have to care?

For South African customers, the AiTV brings flagship-level decoding and native relevance collectively in a single system. It accommodates each high-bandwidth streaming and native playback, connects seamlessly to current audio techniques, and prepares for upcoming AI-driven options.

Competing 4K sticks on the similar worth omit wired Ethernet and expandable storage. The AiTV’s mixture of ports and codec breadth makes it higher outfitted for long-term use.

It additionally alerts a shift in how main tech manufacturers view the area. Du Toit mentioned the undertaking’s aim was to “provide access and fundamentally shift the needle. It’s not just about picture quality or gaming; it’s about inclusion and connectivity”.

With assist for AV1, VP9 and HEVC as much as 4K 75 fps, the AiTV can deal with future codecs with out {hardware} substitute. For customers balancing a number of profiles, restricted knowledge and older shows, it’s a simple option to carry Google TV’s ecosystem dwelling. And it’s constructed by engineers who perceive this market first-hand.

What are the largest negatives?

• Duplicate interface layers make navigation slower.
• Google-account dependence complicates shared use.

What are the largest positives?

• Conceived and launched in South Africa: a local-led undertaking.
• Full connectivity suite: Ethernet, USB-C, MicroSD, optical audio.
• Decodes trendy codecs as much as 4K 75 fps and helps native media.

* Arthur Goldstuck is CEO of World Wide Worx, editor-in-chief of Gadget.co.za, and creator of “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to AI – The African Edge.”