Vizio has announced a major update to its TV interface that will be available on models dating as far back as 2016. The new software, called Home Screen, offers a sleek and modern user experience that resembles a streaming service. With a column of navigation icons on the left side and a hero slot at the top featuring immersive artwork and autoplaying video, Vizio’s new interface is designed to provide an intuitive and immersive viewing experience.
One of the notable features of the Home Screen is the inclusion of small badges with cover art, indicating the source of content recommendations. Vizio has also partnered with Rotten Tomatoes and Common Sense Media to display ratings and parental guidance information for shows and movies. Additionally, the Home Screen comes with a universal watchlist that can aggregate content from various entertainment apps, except for Netflix, which has chosen not to participate.
Compared to Vizio’s previous SmartCast OS, the Home Screen offers a more cohesive and user-friendly experience. The company has moved away from its ambitious cast-everything strategy and focused on providing built-in apps without any additional steps. This shift in approach has resulted in a more seamless and intuitive interface for users.
The new Home Screen is reminiscent of Google TV, with its emphasis on recommendations and a customizable app row. The left-side navigation further establishes the resemblance to popular streaming apps like Netflix and HBO Max. The navigation menu includes sections for live TV, free on-demand content, and more.
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While Vizio will promote its WatchFree Plus FAST service, it has ensured that all the features of SmartCast, including casting and AirPlay, are still available on the new interface. The company has also improved the search experience with an easier-to-use virtual keyboard and introduced new genre and collection pages with personalized carousels of recommendations. The app catalog now resembles a proper app store, making it easier for users to discover and access their favorite streaming apps.
The Home Screen update is an essential step for Vizio to stay competitive in the TV market, especially against rivals like TCL, Hisense, and Roku. While Vizio has always been known for its excellent hardware, the software experience is equally crucial. By modernizing the user interface and enhancing the overall user experience, Vizio aims to ensure that its TVs remain top choices for consumers.
The Home Screen software update will be rolled out to most of Vizio’s smart TVs from 2016 and later in the coming weeks. With this update, Vizio is demonstrating a commitment to providing a superior viewing experience and keeping up with evolving consumer preferences.
