iPad Air 2 Smart Covers Not Recommended for 9.7-inch iPad Pro

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro and the iPad Air 2 are the exact same size and thickness, measuring in at 9.4 inches by 6.6 inches by 0.24 inches (6.1mm), but Apple accessories designed for the iPad Air 2, such as the Smart Cover and the Smart Case, are not fully compatible with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

With the launch of the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, Apple also released a line of Smart Covers specific to the new device, which are being sold alongside Smart Covers for the iPad Air and the iPad Air 2. Given that many people may already own an iPad Air Smart Cover, there was some question as to whether it would fit on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro.

Because of the Smart Connector on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, the magnet alignment in the Smart Cover is different, something an Apple representative confirmed to Macworld. For that reason, using the iPad Air Smart Cover with the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is “not recommended.”

As for the Smart Case designed for the iPad Air 2, while it may fit, it isn’t designed for the Smart Connector, the rear flash, or the four speakers on the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, making it technically incompatible.

With Apple’s own iPad Air accessories ill-suited for the new iPad Pro, it stands to reason other third-party cases and covers designed for the iPad Air and iPad Air 2 are also not going to work with the 9.7-inch tablet, requiring adopters to purchase new accessories.
Discuss this article in our forums

A9X in 9.7-Inch iPad Pro is Underclocked Compared to 12.9-inch iPad Pro

The new 9.7-inch iPad Pro adopts the same powerful dual-core 64-bit A9X chip that was first introduced in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, but the two tablets are not on par when it comes to performance. Based on information on Apple’s website, it appears the A9X in the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is slightly underclocked compared to the A9X in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (via AppleInsider).

On its iPad comparison page, Apple lists the specs of the A9X in both of the iPad Pros, comparing them to the A7 chip in the iPad Air, iPad mini 2/3, and iPhone 5s. The 12.9-inch iPad Pro lists a 2.5x faster CPU and 5x faster graphics, while the 9.7-inch iPad Pro lists a 2.4x faster CPU and 4.3x faster graphics.

Apple has a history of underclocking the chips used in smaller devices. The iPad mini 2 and the iPad Air both used the same A7 chip, but while the iPad Air clocked in at 1.4GHz, the iPad mini 2 ran at 1.3GHz.

It’s likely Apple is underclocking the A9X chip in the 9.7-inch iPad Pro due to its smaller body, which may be unable to dissipate heat as well as the larger 12.9-inch iPad Pro, The performance difference between the two tablets is likely to be unnoticeable in real world conditions, and even underclocked, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro is offering some significant performance improvements over the 9.7-inch iPad Air 2.

Aside from the slightly lower clock speed, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro has several features that set it above the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, including a 12-megapixel camera with a rear flash and a new True Tone display feature that adjusts the screen’s temperature based on ambient lighting.

The 9.7-inch iPad Pro will be available for order starting this Thursday, with in-store availability and shipments starting the following Thursday, on March 31. Pricing for the new iPad Pro starts at $599.

Update: Geekbench benchmark testing conducted by TechCrunch’s Matthew Panzarino suggests the A9X processor in the 9.7-inch iPad Pro runs at 2.16GHz, compared to 2.24GHz in the 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Here’s a single Geekbench run with stats on iPad Pro 9.7″ pic.twitter.com/vwqlKtsIUm

— Matthew Panzarino (@panzer) March 22, 2016

The new iPad Pro received a single-core score of 3022 and a multi-core score of 5107. In comparison, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro sees average scores of 3224 on the single-core test and 5466 on the multi-core test. The 9.7-inch iPad Pro may not be quite as powerful as the 12.9-inch model, but it did significantly outperform the iPhone 6s and the iPad Air 2 on the Geekbench test.

Related Roundup: iPad Pro
Buyer’s Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

9.7-inch iPad Pro and iPhone SE Both Have 2GB RAM

Apple never announces the RAM in its iOS devices, so that metric often remains a mystery until a device teardown or benchmarking tests. TechCrunch’s Matthew Panzarino has an iPhone SE and a new iPad Pro on hand, and was able to use a memory checking app to determine the RAM in both devices.

Based on his testing, it appears that both the iPhone SE and the 9.7-inch iPad Pro include 2GB of RAM.

2GB RAM puts the iPhone SE on par with the iPhone 6s and the iPhone 6s Plus, both of which also include 2GB of RAM. As for the 9.7-inch iPad Pro, 2GB RAM means its performance isn’t going to measure up to the 12.9-inch iPad Pro, which is equipped with 4GB RAM.

As was recently discovered, the 9.7-inch iPad Pro also features a slightly underclocked A9X processor, another factor that will impact its performance compared to the larger tablet.

Geekbench testing by Panzarino suggests the iPhone SE is not underlocked compared to the iPhone 6s, with the A9 in the device running at 1.85GHz. On the test, the iPhone SE received a single-core score of 2538 and a multi-core score of 4421, on par with or slightly better than tests conducted on the iPhone 6s.

Given that it includes the same processor and the same RAM, the iPhone SE is as powerful as the iPhone 6s despite its much smaller form factor and lower price. The new iPad Pro, while less powerful than its larger sibling, has its own unique features, including a 12 megapixel camera with rear flash and a unique True Tone display.

Related Roundups: iPad Pro, iPhone SE
Buyer’s Guide: iPad Pro (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

New Bands Bring Changes to Aluminum & Stainless Steel Apple Watch Collections

One of the more significant behind-the-scenes changes that took place following Apple’s media event yesterday was an overhauls of the collections the Apple Watch is offered in. With the introduction of new colors to pre-existing bands like the Modern Buckle, Classic Buckle, and Sport Band, along with an entirely new offering in the Woven Nylon band, the configurations offered to customers who don’t yet own an Apple Watch can be a bit daunting to decipher.

To make room for the new bands in its Apple Watch collections without significantly expanding the number of models, Apple has phased out several previous models from its collections. For example, Apple no longer offers bundles with the (PRODUCT)RED Sport Band, White Sport Band, Black Classic Buckle, Midnight Blue Modern Buckle, Soft Pink Modern Buckle, Midnight Blue Leather Loop, or Stone Leather Loop.

Each of the bands remains available to purchase separately, but anyone with an eye for these particular styles looking to buy an Apple Watch for the first time will have to put down money for another collection first or try to pick up one of the discontinued combinations on closeout.

Since there are so many new configurations replacing older bands, all at varying prices and availability, MacRumors has put together this breakdown of all of the new collections in one place. Starting with the ten new collections of the stainless steel Apple Watch, these are the new options available for you to purchase from the Apple online store.

Apple Watch Stainless Steel Case

With the sole exception of the Space Black collection (which has the only Sport Band now offered as a starting point for stainless steel Apple Watches), the entry point for the mid-tier Apple Watch line has expanded with the Woven Nylon bands. Despite the fact that there are seven total colorways able to be purchased separately, Apple is only offering the Pearl color in a collection.

• 38mm Stainless Steel Case with Pearl Woven Nylon – $549.00
• 42mm Stainless Steel Case with Pearl Woven Nylon – $599.00

The price jumps $100 when choosing new colors in the Classic Buckle line. There’s more of a limit to customization here, unfortunately, with the new Red Classic Buckle only available in a 38mm collection, and the Marine Blue Classic Buckle only offered in a 42mm collection. As usual, every Classic Buckle color is for sale in either 38mm or 42mm sizes individually. Apple introduced seven total new Classic Buckle colors on Monday.

• 38mm Stainless Steel Case with Red Classic Buckle – $649.00
• 42mm Stainless Steel Case with Marine Blue Classic Buckle – $699.00

The new Leather Loop and Modern Buckle collections are simple color switch-outs as well, with sizes locked into the exclusive measurements of each respective band (Modern Buckle is only sold in 38mm and Leather Loop is only sold in 42mm).

• 42mm Stainless Steel Case with White Leather Loop – $699.00
• 42mm Stainless Steel Case with Storm Gray Leather Loop – $699.00

• 38mm Stainless Steel Case with Marigold Modern Buckle – $749.00
• 38mm Stainless Steel Case with Blue Jay Modern Buckle – $749.00

The new Stainless Steel collections are rounded out by the long-rumored Space Black Milanese Loop, offered in both sizes with the matching Space Black Stainless Steel case.

• 38mm Space Black Stainless Steel Case with Space Black Milanese Loop – $699.00
• 42mm Space Black Stainless Steel Case with Space Black Milanese Loop – $749.00

Apple Watch Aluminum Case

In comparison to Stainless Steel, the Aluminum Apple Watch Sport only saw two collections phased out in the transition that occurred yesterday, with buyers now unable to purchase bundles with the Orange or Blue Sport Band. Apple did, however, add four new combinations to its Sport lineup, bringing the total count of new bundles to fourteen for those looking at the more rugged and athletic wearable device.

Of the six new colors offered in the Sport band line — Yellow, Apricot, Royal Blue, Light Pink, Lilac, and Mint — the company has decided to present Yellow, Apricot, and Royal Blue in bundles. Each is available at the company’s new lowered price of $299 for 38mm or $349 for 42mm.

• 38mm Silver Aluminum Case with Yellow Sport Band – $299.00
• 42mm Silver Aluminum Case with Yellow Sport band – $349.00

• 38mm Silver Aluminum Case with Apricot Sport Band – $299.00
• 42mm Silver Aluminum Case with Apricot Sport band – $349.00

• 38mm Silver Aluminum Case with Royal Blue Sport Band – $299.00
• 42mm Silver Aluminum Case with Royal Blue Sport band – $349.00

The other eight new additions to the Apple Watch Sport collection encompass some of the new colors of the Woven Nylon bands. Apple has restricted the Pink and Gold/Red Woven Nylon bands to 38mm bundles, and the Scuba Blue and Gold/Royal Blue Woven Nylon bands to 42mm bundles, but the remaining four options give buyers a choice in size.

• 38mm Silver Aluminum Case with Pink Woven Nylon – $299.00
• 42mm Silver Aluminum Case with Scuba Blue Woven Nylon – $349.00

It should be noted that the bundles with Royal Blue and Gold/Red Woven Nylon bands have color-matching Rose Gold and Gold hardware respectively. When purchased as standalone bands in these colors, the hardware is standard Silver aluminum.

• 38mm Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Royal Blue Woven Nylon – $299.00
• 42mm Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Royal Blue Woven Nylon – $349.00

• 38mm Gold Aluminum Case with Gold/Red Woven Nylon – $299.00
• 42mm Gold Aluminum Case with Gold/Royal Blue Woven Nylon – $349.00

• 38mm Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Woven Nylon – $299.00
• 42mm Space Gray Aluminum Case with Black Woven Nylon – $349.00

Availability

The shipping status of each new bundle in the Stainless Steel collection varies, but the most in-demand bundles appear to be the 38mm Red Classic Buckle (1-2 weeks) and medium size 42mm White Leather Loop (5-7 business days). Otherwise, at the time of writing, every Stainless Steel bundle should ship in about 1 business day.

The shipping times for the new Apple Watch Sport bundles are similarly quick, with every model ready to ship within 1 business day except for the Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Royal Blue Woven Nylon. Out of all of the new models — Stainless Steel and Aluminum alike — this is the only new bundle that isn’t available to purchase immediately and simply states that it will be “coming soon.”

Other than the new Apple Watch collections, Apple introduced the iPhone SE and 9.7-inch iPad Pro during its “Let Us Loop You In” event on Monday. Catch up with the news in the MacRumors Event Recap and read about the various tidbits from the keynote that might have slipped through the cracks.

Related Roundups: Apple Watch, watchOS 2
Buyer’s Guide: Apple Watch (Buy Now)
Discuss this article in our forums

iPhone SE Release Dates by Country: Orders Start March 24, March 29, and Early April

Apple announced yesterday that the iPhone SE will be available to order on March 24, with shipments and in-store sales beginning on March 31, in the United States, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

Apple’s website indicates that the second round of orders will begin on March 29, with those shipments beginning in early April, in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, the Netherlands, Norway, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.

Apple also confirmed that orders would begin in early April, and presumably ship later in the month, in Albania, Andorra, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Guernsey, Iceland, Isle of Man, Jersey, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Maldives, Malta, Monaco, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and South Korea.

Meanwhile, the iPhone SE is listed as “coming soon” in Bahrain, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, India, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Thailand, and on Apple’s broader Latin America website. Apple says “check back later for availability” on its Philippines website.

March 24 Orders

• United States
• Australia
• Canada
• China
• France
• Germany
• Hong Kong
• Japan
• New Zealand
• Puerto Rico
• Singapore
• United Kingdom

March 29 Orders

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Finland
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Italy
• Luxembourg
• Portugal
• The Netherlands
• Norway
• Russia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• Turkey
• United Arab Emirates

Early April Orders

• Albania
• Andorra
• Bosnia
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Estonia
• Guernsey
• Iceland
• Isle of Man
• Jersey
• Kosovo
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Macedonia
• Maldives
• Malta
• Monaco
• Poland
• Romania
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• South Korea

“Coming Soon”

• Bahrain
• Brazil
• Chile
• Colombia
• Egypt
• India
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Malaysia
• Mexico
• Oman
• Philippines
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• South Korea
• Thailand
• Latin America

ET Telecom reports that Beetel Teletech will begin selling the iPhone SE from Rs 39,000 on April 8 at over 3,500 retail locations across India. Spanish website iPhoneros claims the iPhone SE will go on sale a few days earlier in Spain, on April 6. If you know of a launch date for another country, email us at tips@macrumors.com.

Apple confirmed the iPhone SE will be available in 110 countries overall by the end of May.

Related Roundup: iPhone SE
Tag: Apple retail
Discuss this article in our forums

Clear the Store cache in Windows 10 – CNET

Sarah Jacobsson Purewal/CNET

Having trouble with the Windows Store? If the Store is refusing to launch, crashing or freezing, or if apps are not downloading or updating, you’re probably just a little frustrated. Before you toss your computer out the window and swear off Windows 10 forever, try clearing the Store cache — it’s fast, simple and may resolve all of your issues (then again, it may not).

Here’s how to do it:

Sarah Jacobsson Purewal/CNET

1. Right-click the Start button and choose Run to open the Run window.

Sarah Jacobsson Purewal/CNET

2. In the Run window, type in WSReset.exe and click OK.

Don’t panic! This is what you should be seeing.

Sarah Jacobsson Purewal/CNET

3. An empty command prompt window will open up.

Sarah Jacobsson Purewal/CNET

When the reset is complete, this window will close and the Store window will open. This fix will also work for the Windows Store in Windows 8, 8.1 and RT.

Dim or kill your devices’ bright LED lights once and for all – CNET

There are few things more annoying than chargers and other devices or appliances that come equipped with blindingly bright status indicators. Yet, I somehow always manage to get the products that appear to be the worst offenders.

Enlarge Image

Taylor Martin/CNET

Most recently for me, it was a six-port USB charger. I set it up on the shelf, hid the wires, and plugged it in.

All was well. Until it was time to tuck in for the night and cut out the lights. The brick’s tiny LED emitted a bright green light so aggressive, it somehow lit up the entire room.

Here’s how to snuff them out and sleep in total darkness once again.

The DIY method

The first option can be done with materials you may already have lying around. All you need is a piece of electrical tape, wax paper and a hole punch of some sort.

• Cut a small length of tape and stick it to a piece of wax paper. Use a hole punch to eject a few pieces of what are now effectively blackout dot stickers.
• Remove the wax backing, center a sticker over a status indicator and press into place.

This should completely block all light coming from the LED. If you ever want or need to remove the sticker, it should leave behind little to no residue.

Stickers that dim your LEDs

You might still need to see those indicator lights — just not so blindingly. Instead of killing the lights altogether, you can instead dim them.

Unsurprisingly, there is a ready-to-go solution to the problem: stickers designed specifically for “dimming” LED lights. One brand is Light Dims, which come in an array of opaqueness.

There’s a variety pack that comes with each of the four varieties, each of which come with stickers of various sizes and shapes. It also comes with a customizable sheet, which you can cut and use however you need.

• Choose a Light Dims color that best matches the color of your device, peel a sticker from the sheet and place over a status indicator.

Going this route allows you to dramatically dim the light without completely blocking the status indicator. In some cases, this may be more practical, as status indicators typically aren’t for naught.

The quick fix

If you don’t have electrical tape on hand and you can’t wait to get some Light Dims in the mail, there is another way, though admittedly less attractive.

• Cut a small piece of transparent tape and place it over the status light. Draw over the tape with a black permanent marker. If that doesn’t diffuse the light enough for your needs, try painting over it with a couple coats of black fingernail polish.

Your status LEDs should be dimmed or diffused enough to where they don’t distract you while watching television or keep you awake when you’re trying to sleep.

(Via How-To Geek)

Blossom 8 Smart Watering Controller Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Blossom

Blossom’s lowering the barrier to entry for a smart sprinkler setup. Starting today, you can preorder the Blossom 8 Smart Watering Controller for $100. It’ll be widely available in May for $130, a significant price cut from the original Blossom’s $180 price and well below the $250 cost of its main competitors — Rachio and GreenIQ.

Blossom’s working on expanding overseas, but the Blossom 8 will be a US-only product for now. The $130 price converts to approximately £90 and AU$170.

Blossom designed its original Smart Watering Controller around all-encompassing accessibility. This new model trims a lot of those extras off for the sake of affordability. The original was weatherproof, featured Power-line in addition to Wi-Fi in case your controller was far from your router, and covered 12 zones. The Blossom 8 fittingly covers eight zones, is Wi-Fi only, and has a slim, low-profile design that needs to be kept indoors since it lacks the same resistance to the elements.

Blossom

If you need any of those more robust features, the $180 Blossom will still be available, so the company’s logic with this new model works well. If you don’t need those options, you can pay less to cut them. The inner workings and smarts of the two devices remain the same.

Smarter sprinklers

• Rachio Generation 2
• GreenIQ Smart Garden Hub
• Mist Sprinkler System

Purchase either Blossom Controller and it’ll act as a retrofit hub for your existing in-ground irrigation system. Download the free iOS or Android app, and you can manage your watering schedule on the go. Blossom will also monitor the weather, and will make adjustments to the schedule accordingly, so you’ll never accidentally run your sprinklers after it rains.

It’s the same basic premise behind Rachio and GreenIQ, and I’m a little disappointed that Blossom’s newest didn’t take steps to match its competitors in terms of interoperability. GreenIQ has direct integrations with a couple of plant sensors. Rachio works with a number of smart home platforms like Wink and Nest, and both Rachio and GreenIQ work with online rule maker IFTTT, allowing a range of options for a wider smart-home integration.

Connect with these 35 IFTTT-friendly smart…
See full gallery

1 – 4 of 36

Next
Prev

Blossom’s logic here — to keep things simple — doesn’t impress me, as not allowing the option for interoperability isn’t the same as making the controller easy to use. Neither Rachio nor GreenIQ force you to use their smart home integrations, but you have them if you want them.

However, Blossom 8 enhances the advantage of its predecessor — the price — so anyone interested in dipping their toe into smart gardening for the first time might be most tempted by a standalone device priced competitively with non-connected options.

Vizio P series (2016) Release Date, Price and Specs – CNET

Sarah Tew/CNET

If OLED TVs are still too rich for your blood, especially in bigger screen sizes, the new Vizio P series might be the best midpriced alternative in 2016. And that’s not just because they include a free Android tablet in the box.

Last year, Vizio TVs were the highest-rated overall on CNET thanks to a combination of very good picture quality and affordable price. LG’s OLED televisions delivered better images but they cost a mint, especially in sizes over 55 inches.

This year OLED shows no signs of reaching pocketbook range for normal humans, leaving LCD-based TVs to dominate the market. And the LCD TV that so far seems best positioned to score a high rating at CNET is, once again, a Vizio. I’ll have to wait to see how it performs, of course, but on paper the P series is a beast.

It includes four sizes ranging from 50 inches for $1,000 up to 75 inches for $3,800, which is significantly cheaper than the competition. The series starts shipping on March 27.

P hits picture high points

I got a formal introduction to the new P series at a press event in New York and came away impressed. The TVs include all of the high-end picture-quality specifications I look for in a 2016 LCD TV, including full-array local dimming and compatibility with high dynamic range (HDR) content.

Vizio P series 2016 (pictures)
See full gallery

1 – 4 of 12

Next
Prev

Those items promise an excellent overall picture, especially since Vizio specifies a big helping of dimming zones (at least 126), and more zones — which allow sections of the image to brighten or dim independently — often equate to a superior picture. And unlike the difficult-to-discern resolution increase of 4K, HDR expands the range of both contrast and color significantly, for a visible improvement in many cases. Although it lacks the quantum dot technology found on Vizio’s more expensive 65-inch Reference Series TV, as well as Samsung’s high-end TVs, the P series still covers a respectable 96 percent of the P3 color space.

Like the Reference Series, the P series will be compatible with the Dolby Vision HDR system. A software update will arrive “hopefully” within 90 days of launch that also allows the TV to handle the competing HDR10 system. That means Vizio’s TVs will support both HDR formats, much like LG’s. The 2016 HDR TVs from Samsung and Sony, meanwhile, only support HDR10 and not Dolby Vision.

Sarah Tew/CNET

At launch, the P series will have access to the more then 30 Dolby Vision movies by Warner available to stream from Vudu, including “Mad Max: Fury Road,” “Black Mass” and “In the Heart of the Sea.” Netflix and Amazon will also launch Dolby Vision streaming this year.

As for 4K Blu-ray, the P series won’t display the HDR versions of current discs playable on the Samsung UBD-K8500 player until its HDR10 software upgrade rolls out. And if you’ve been paying attention recently, you’re probably not surprised to learn that the P series is not UHD Alliance Premium Certified.

Get a free Google Cast tablet, but lose Amazon

Confirming reports, the P series will do away with Vizio’s antiquated Smart TV system in favor of one that relies solely on Google Cast, the software giant’s popular TV streaming platform. But Vizio’s reps assured me its system, dubbed Vizio SmartCast, is more robust than just dangling a $35 Chromecast from the back of the TV.

The P series includes a 6-inch tablet.

Sarah Tew/CNET

First off, the P series includes a full-function 6-inch Android tablet. It has 1080p resolution, Android Lollipop, a V8 octa-core processor, stereo speakers, 16GB of storage and complete access to the Google Play store, allowing it to function as a standard tablet independently of the TV. An included docking station charges the tablet wirelessly when it’s not in use.

The TVs lack an onscreen Smart TV interface, so you’ll need to use the built-in Cast capability to watch TV apps like Netflix and Vudu. Here’s where I mention that Amazon, which has an Instant Video app on current Vizio TVs like the 2015 M series, doesn’t work natively with Google Cast. If you want to watch Amazon on this TV you’ll need to use screen mirroring (which has worse quality than native Casting) or connect another device like a Roku or Fire TV stick. And none of those devices can access Amazon’s HDR content.

Unlike Chromecast, Vizio SmartCast will support 4K streams from certain providers, including Netflix, YouTube, Vudu and UltraFlix. It will also support Vudu’s Dolby Vision HDR, as well as Netflix’s when it becomes available.

Sarah Tew/CNET

If you’re not familiar with Google Cast, it’s a system that allows content from a phone, tablet or PC to display on the TV. It typically delivers excellent performance, all of the features and frequent updates of the mobile app. The main downside is that you can’t choose videos or initiate playback with a standard remote, or a universal model like Harmony.

The included tablet also ships with an app specifically for Vizio’s TVs that allows direct control of volume, picture settings and other parameters, just like a regular remote. It also links directly to TV, Movies and other content from streaming apps, much like Google’s own Chromecast app. The P series TVs will accept Cast sessions from other phones and tablets, including iOS devices, just like standard Chromecast. Vizio also includes a separate standard remote.

Here’s how the models break down.

Vizio P series 2016 TVs

Those prices are significantly cheaper than other 2016 HDR TVs announced so far, including LG’s OLEDs and Super UHD TVs, and Sony’s 4K/HDR models. Samsung has yet to officially announce pricing, but I expect its new higher-end TVs, dubbed SUHD, to cost quite a bit more than the P series, too.

The table above deserves a bit of explanation. I don’t expect the slightly different number of dimming zones to affect picture quality whatsoever. The 50-inch size’s lower refresh rate might cause a bit more blurring with some material, but I doubt it will be a deal-breaker for anybody (Vizio itself quotes a higher “effective refresh rate”; the numbers above are the actual panel refresh rates). The biggest difference is likely to be the IPS panel type used on the 55-inch size; in past reviews we’ve found that IPS delivers worse image quality in many ways compared to VA.

We expect to review Vizio’s new P series TVs soon.

Vizio’s new P-Series TVs pack Google Cast to stream all your favorite shows and movies

Google has partnered up with Vizio to load Google Cast on the manufacturer’s P-Series displays, as well as Vizio soundbars and speakers. The new screens come with SmartCast, powered by Google Cast – the technology behind Chromecast. This allows owners of included TV sets to use their smartphone or tablet as a remote control to cast their favorite entertainment straight to the big screen.

Chrome laptops are also supported, making it possible to mirror websites and more from the Chrome web browser to the TV. This functionality makes it easier for families and friends to share and enjoy content on a single large screen, as opposed to crowding around a tablet or laptop. The P-Series also comes with 4K support and can display Dolby Vision High Dynamic Range content.

The new displays start at $999.99 for the 50-inch variant. Interestingly, each P-Series TV will also feature a 6-inch Vizio Android-powered tablet to act as the living room remote. Unfortunately, for the connected soundbars and speakers, Vizio hasn’t released any details on these upcoming products as-of-yet, but we do know there will be a soundbar, 360 wireless (and portable) speaker, as well as a satellite setup for the full immersive setup.

See at Vizio

Press Release

Irvine, CA — March 22, 2016 — VIZIO, Inc. announced today the launch of VIZIO SmartCast, its next generation smart entertainment ecosystem which will span displays, sound bars and standalone speakers. VIZIO SmartCast debuts on the all-new P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display collection, the first Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range offerings to fully integrate Google Cast technology. The displays are controlled by the VIZIO SmartCast app that comes preinstalled on the included 6″ 1080p Android™ Tablet Remote. P-Series marries its intuitive smart features with unmatched picture quality technologies that were first brought to market on the VIZIO Reference Series. Available now, the collection starts at an MSRP of $999.99 for the 50″ class size.

The VIZIO SmartCast app turns every mobile device screen into a remote control and represents a paradigm shift in content discovery. Instead of jumping between apps, VIZIO SmartCast allows users to search and browse content first by genre across multiple apps at once, then select the app or source to play the content. The app also simplifies on-screen navigation. Rather than struggling to see and adjust settings or navigate apps from across the room, VIZIO SmartCast users gain access to all menus and playback controls through the app. With the VIZIO SmartCast app available for download on iOS and Android devices, consumers will never have to deal with a lost remote again.

“The VIZIO SmartCast app, pre-installed on the P-Series Tablet Remote, finally brings home entertainment into the mobile era with advanced navigation, search and control of content sources,” said Matt McRae, Chief Technology Officer, VIZIO. “We’re excited to debut the

P-Series collection, which not only sets a new benchmark with picture quality technologies like High Dynamic Range and Ultra Color Spectrum™, but is also the world’s first display to fully integrate the Google Cast protocol.”

The VIZIO SmartCast P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display boasts the same advanced picture quality technologies first released on the 2015 VIZIO 120″ and 65″ Reference Series. Ultra HD featuring High Dynamic Range with Dolby Vision content support transforms the entertainment experience with dramatic imaging, incredible brightness, contrast and color that brings content to life. New release titles such as In the Heart of the Sea and Point Break continue to roll out through video-on-demand services like VUDU, which currently has more than 30 Warner Bros. titles available in the Dolby Vision format.

“We’re excited to see VIZIO cascade Dolby Vision into their P-Series collection, delivering a premium imaging experience to a broader range of consumers,” said Giles Baker, SVP, Broadcast Business Group, Dolby Laboratories. “Viewers are now just a few taps away from the vibrant color and stunning contrast that Dolby Vision brings to Hollywood content.”

In addition to High Dynamic Range, Ultra Color Spectrum provides a wider color gamut enabling impeccable accuracy in every hue and tone, allowing more realistic colors than ever before. The P-Series also features powerful Full-Array LED backlighting with up to 128 Active LED Zones which dynamically adjust to on-screen content for deeper, richer black levels and more accurate contrast.

Each VIZIO SmartCast P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display includes a 6″ Android Tablet Remote with a convenient wireless charging dock, putting consumers in control of their entertainment. The tablet remote comes pre-installed with the VIZIO SmartCast app and features Full HD 1080p resolution, Android Lollipop OS, a powerful V8 octa-core processor, integrated stereo speakers and 16GB of storage, making it a great standalone tablet as well. Consumers can enjoy games and other apps, available for download from the Google Play store, on the device.

With Google Cast built in to every VIZIO SmartCast device, consumers can access thousands of mobile apps they already know and love. By simply tapping the Cast button, consumers can easily watch content go from their mobile screen to any VIZIO SmartCast or Cast-enabled device on their home WiFi network. And with casting over WiFi, users can still multi-task on the P-Series included tablet remote or their own mobile device without interrupting what is casting on the display.

VIZIO SmartCast makes its debut on the P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display with additional collections and products to follow. P-Series is available now with more information and retailers available at VIZIO.com.

• VIZIO SmartCast 50″ P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (P50-C1) MSRP $999.99
• VIZIO SmartCast 55″ P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (P55-C1) MSRP $1,299.99
• VIZIO SmartCast 65″ P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (P65-C1) MSRP $1,999.99
• VIZIO SmartCast 75″ P-Series Ultra HD HDR Home Theater Display (P75-C1) MSRP $3,799.99