It’s hard to find a big screen TV these days that doesn’t have some sort of “smart” functionality, letting you stream internet video, play games, or run other apps.
LG’s recent models use WebOS software. Samsung’s use a Tizen-based operating system. Panasonic has models running Firefox OS. Other smart TVs use Roku or Android TV software.
Now it looks like ZTE may be taking a different approach:Â the company seems to be showing off a smart TV that gets its smarts from a ZTE Nubia smartphone.
There aren’t many details about the product yet, but photos from China show a 55 inch TV with a compartment in the back where you can slide in a smartphone. This seems to let you run the phone’s Android apps on the big screen.
The TV also seems to have support for touch input, allowing you to navigate a TV-friendly home screen and app launcher with your fingers. its not entirely clear what kind of support the system has for remote controls or other input methods.
It’s an interesting setup that would basically let you run any Android app on you TV, and not just those that are made available for Google’s Android TV platform. The problem is that apps designed for touchscreen devices like smartphones and tablets might be difficult to navigate on a TV screen while you’re sitting on your couch.
Looks amazing, hopefully it is 4K. if it is priced competitively with current offerings (such as LG’s 55″ sold at $3000), would definitely consider.