Google and Vizio are reportedly teaming up to build streaming capabilities directly into the latter’s new televisions.
According to Variety, the new TV would include Chromecast-like features that would allow users to cast content – be it music, video or other – directly from their smartphone or tablet to the TV without the need for a user interface.
Variety reported Vizio plans to ease the transition to a new interaction model by releasing an Android tablet that would function as a remote control. The tablet, which could possibly be thrown in for free with the purchase of the TV, would include online streaming apps like Netflix and Hulu.
Vizio’s new line of streaming TVs could hit shelves as early as this spring, Variety said.
But Vizio might not be Google’s only outlet for the technology. The tech giant has reportedly approached at least one other TV manufacturer about built-in streaming capabilities, Variety said.
Launched in 2013, Chromecast has proven to be a popular service for Google.
In the third quarter 2015, Strategy Analytics reported Chromecast accounted for more than a third of streaming device sales with 3.2 million units. Chromecast also led the quarter in terms of market share, with 35 percent to Apple TV’s 20 percent and Amazon Fire and Roku’s 16 percent each.