Check it out! Two mentions of Android TV in one day – coincidence? They look RATHER different, but the concept appears to be there – the one we’re talking about here is made by Vidtonic and its an IPTV kit powered by Android and they say it’ll be released at CES 2011 (just a handful of days from now!) This release is a hardware/software platform kit made for Android developers who’d like to bring their apps to the TV screen – sound like some future molding to you?
Each pack includes a TV housing, cables, 1080p LCF panel in various sizes, power supply, and motherboard using an ARM/DSP microprocessor solution. Vidtonic co-founder Matt Miller has the following to say about the project: “Our vision with Vidtonic is to empower Android developers to create for TV platforms. Let’s level the playing field for TV application developers as it has been done in the mobile marketplace. Your skills as an Android developer in the mobile space can now translate directly to the consumer electronics and IPTV space. We want to help popularize the idea that Android isn’t simply for smart phones and give developers the opportunity to create great things.”
How connected is this with the report of a full-fledged official Android TV we heard of earlier today? Is this super exciting or just bunk?! Check out the full press release below:
VIDTONIC INTRODUCES IPTV KIT POWERED BY ANDROIDTM AT 2011 INTERNATIONAL CES
Fort Wayne, IN, December 27, 2010 – Vidtonic will be introducing the HomeBrew IPTV Developer Kit at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, NV. The Homebrew platform is powered by the AndroidTM operating system and gives software developers the ability to create applications targeted for the television screen.Matt Miller, Vidtonic co-founder says, “Our vision with Vidtonic is to empower Android developers to create for TV platforms. Let’s level the playing field for TV application developers as it has been done in the mobile marketplace. Your skills as an Android developer in the mobile space can now translate directly to the consumer electronics and IPTV space. We want to help popularize the idea that Android isn’t simply for smart phones and give developers the opportunity to create great things.”
The HomeBrew Kit:
• Is a hardware/software platform kit designed for AndroidTM developers to bring their applications to the TV screen.
• Includes television housing, cables, 1080p LCD panel in various sizes, power supply and a motherboard using an ARM/DSP microprocessor solution.
• Allows enthusiasts to build their own television, powered by AndroidTM.
• Gives developers the open platform they need to write their own made-for-TV AndroidTM powered applications.The Homebrew platform is expected to launch in 2Q11 with early adopter releases rolling out in 1Q11. Vidtonic will be opening the HomeBrew user/developer forums immediately following CES in January.
Vidtonic, a Fort Wayne, Indiana-based company, is a consumer video product development company that specializes in using open source technologies such as Linux and Android.
