TCL has lengthy been the flag bearer of Roku TVs. The firm’s 6-series is without doubt one of the best-performing units you should buy for underneath $1,000. It includes a unbelievable image with the assistance of Mini LED backlighting — TCL beat Samsung and LG to implementing that expertise — and quantum dot HDR colour. The 5-series and 4-series Roku TVs are not any slouches both of their respective pricing tiers.

But now TCL is taking a step that would dramatically shake up the US TV market: it’s increasing past Roku and can launch up to date variations of its hottest TVs that include Google TV on board. The software program that debuted on Google’s 2020 Chromecast (and in addition runs on latest TVs from Sony) will now be provided on the most recent 5-series and 6-series TVs.

I lately spoke with a few of TCL’s executives who made it abundantly clear that the corporate isn’t transitioning to Google TV as an alternative of Roku or strolling away from its longtime associate. Rather, TCL expects that the TV working system panorama will take after smartphones and ultimately consolidate down to 2 decisions: Roku OS and Google TV. TCL needs to supply customers the selection of both one, and the present 6-series and 5-series Roku TVs will stay on the market. That stance appears only a bit dismissive of Samsung’s Tizen and LG’s webOS TV platforms.

The Google TV variations retain the identical value factors because the Roku fashions — however there are some tweaks and upgrades since they’re newer {hardware}. For one, the TCL 6-series with Google TV shall be able to 4K at 120Hz, an enchancment over the Roku mannequin, which might solely attain 120Hz at 1440p. That’s a giant deal for PS5 and Xbox Series players. The Google TV model comes with two HDMI 2.1 ports (one among which is eARC), with two further HDMI 2.0 ports.

Both the 6-series and 5-series with Google TV can even assist HDR10+. And in what some individuals would possibly understand as a controversial determination, TCL is outfitting its Google TVs with always-listening microphones that can be utilized for voice instructions. There’s a bodily swap on the again of the TVs to disable the microphones if you happen to choose to stay to the distant’s press-and-hold technique to Google Assistant controls.

The lower-priced 5-series doesn’t embody 4K at 120Hz, nevertheless it nonetheless offers you full-array native dimming and each variable refresh fee and auto low latency mode when gaming.

TCL is highlighting Google TV’s content-focused interface, which differs considerably from the grid-of-apps Roku homescreen UX. Here’s what the corporate says the brand new software program gives prospects:

With the addition of Google TV, TCL’s newest choices can even include notable options just like the For You tab the place customers will discover new content material primarily based on their pursuits, throughout their streaming providers; the Watchlist to high-quality tune suggestions by clicking on content material and saving to look at later, even from a browser or telephone; and the Live TV built-in channel information the place suggestions for streaming content material are seen alongside dwell program listings. In addition, rapidly discovering TV exhibits and flicks by title, style, and even actors, is made attainable by urgent the devoted Google Assistant button on the distant and saying the command; or just make Google TV the hub of any good house by simply controlling your linked units.

Preorders for TCL’s first Google TVs within the US start right this moment: I’ve included their Best Buy hyperlinks under. The firm tells me that the brand new 5-series will ship throughout the subsequent couple weeks, and the 6-series ought to comply with shortly after that. A 75-inch mannequin of the 6-series is anticipated to return later.

TCL 6-series with Google TV
65-inch: $1,299
55-inch: $999

TCL 5-series with Google TV
75-inch: $1,299
65-inch: $899
55-inch: $649
50-inch: $599

It’s value noting that TCL’s best possible TVs, which embody the 8-series and 8K-capable 6-series, will nonetheless completely run Roku OS in North America. But regardless, I’m curious to see how it will shake out over the approaching months. As I stated earlier, TCL has at all times been the premier Roku TV model. The firm’s vertical integration and in-house panel manufacturing has put it in a spot the place, for instance, Amazon’s Fire TVs from Toshiba and different manufacturers have been unable to compete when it comes to image high quality. Now, Google TV is about to get an enormous increase by serving because the spine of that spectacular {hardware}.

There are upgrades right here (significantly on the 6-series) which may push individuals towards the newer Google TV TCLs as an alternative of the earlier Roku units. But you’ll even have these individuals who have sworn off ever bringing a TV with microphones into their house — mute swap or not. I’m wanting ahead to taking a more in-depth have a look at TCL’s Google TVs within the weeks forward.