By Stuart Thomson
TV consumer electronics giant Vestel has launched a TV Smart Centre app that it says will bring extra smart TV features to European viewers.
Free-to-download, the new TV remote control app is designed for smart TVs from 50 popular and premium brands, offering more personalised control, as well as convenient and fast access to TV listings, apps, and screen share functions, according to Vestel.
Split into five sections – Home, Guide, Remote, Applications, and Settings – Vestel says that the app is designed to simpify the navigation process, giving users a more intuitive user experience from their connected iOS and Android mobile devices.
The home screen’s dashboard features extra information for up to 30 programmes and films, while a primetime section picks out and highlights specific programmes for peak evening viewing times between 20:00 and midnight. A separate ‘For You’ section features programmes regardless of when they are scheduled.
The home screen also enables viewers to bring their saved videos, music, and photos straight to the TV screen, and record or set a reminder for their favourite TV series.
The home screen also provides access to a Follow Me TV function, enabling users to tune into live TV content on any connected mobile device from anywhere within range of the user’s home WiFi network.
The TV Smart Centre app Remote screen features a power button to switch the TV on, a 4-way D-pad, and buttons for several alternative search style options. These include modes for searching with numerical and alphabetical keyboards, and a touchpad, as well as a voice search function for simple remote-control commands.
There are also shortcut buttons for Netflix and YouTube, and a selection of media player controls.
“We are pleased to introduce an app that can help to maximise the Smart TV user experience,” said Vestel vice president of marketing and product management, Barış Altınkaya .
“Whether you prefer to search by voice, touch, or traditional D-pad, the TV Smart Centre app gives you more personalised control, enabling you to choose the search styles that work best for you from your own connected mobile device. With features, such as one-click access to streaming apps, and selections of popular recommendations, the TV Smart Centre app is also ideal for navigating vast libraries of entertainment, ensuring that viewers can browse less, and find more of what they most like to watch, or listen to.”
