Skip to main content

Vizio SmartCast Mobile adds its first TV networks — TBS, TNT, Cartoon Network

vizio smartcast mobile turner turner2
Vizio has checked off a major first by bringing TV networks to SmartCast Mobile. The company announced Wednesday that it has integrated three Turner networks — TNT, TBS, and Cartoon Network — into the app.

Those three are just the first to arrive; additional networks will follow in the coming months. Turner’s portfolio also includes CNN, Adult Swim, and other networks, so there is more quality programming to come.

With the new Turner integration, the Vizio SmartCast content catalogs now include programming from the broadcasting company — but only users who are also authenticated pay-TV customers will be able to watch them. Those fortunate people will be able to tune into some of Turner’s numerous popular series, ranging from children’s shows like The Powerpuff Girls to late-night hits like Full Frontal with Samantha Bee and Conan.

“The integration of TNT, TBS and Cartoon Network into Vizio SmartCast Mobile equates to an added level of convenience for consumers,” Matt McRae, Vizio’s chief technology officer, said in a statement. “The partnership with Turner allows popular network content to be infused directly into the SmartCast experience, allowing consumers to easily browse content catalogs before deciding on content to cast to the big screen.”

Vizio’s SmartCast displays have Chromecast built in, and the company’s app can be used to turn their iOS and Android mobile devices into touchscreen remotes. The Vizio SmartCast Mobile app then allows them to access content from a number of SmartCast-enabled apps — including Hulu, Google Play Movies & TV, Fandango Now, and more — without having to switch back and forth.

The company’s efforts toward improving the user experience also include the unveiling of a simpler interface in January. The new integration also does its part by expanding the entertainment offerings. The more content the merrier, so we’re glad Vizio plans to keep it coming.

Editors' Recommendations

Stephanie Topacio Long
Stephanie Topacio Long is a writer and editor whose writing interests range from business to books. She also contributes to…
Disney+ app finally shows up on all Vizio SmartCast TVs
Disney+ comes to Vizio SmartCast TVs

At long last, a Disney+ app has arrived on Vizio SmartCast TVs. A software update is now underway that will bring the hugely popular streaming service to every Vizio SmartCast TV going back to 2016. It ends a three-month period since the launch of Disney+ on November 12 -- no doubt the longest three months in the lives of Vizio-owning Disney fans -- where the service was unavailable as a native app.

Initially, Disney+ could be viewed on Vizio TVs using Apple's AirPlay 2 technology but this required a compatible iOS device. It wasn't until a December software update that the ability to do this via Chromecast was added, bring Android users into the Disney+ fold. Nonetheless, a solution that did not require a third-party device remained unavailable until now.

Read more
Vizio launches its first OLED 4K TV and doubles down on quantum dots at CES 2020
Vizio OLED TV

Vizio kicked off CES 2020 with a bang, announcing refreshed models of its P-Series Quantum and Quantum X, M-Series Quantum, and V-Series 4K TVs, as well as its first OLED TV. As if that wasn't enough, it also showed off SmartCast 4.0, the latest version of its smart software, and new audio hardware.

Let's start with the TVs. The headline act? The Vizio OLED TV. Little is known about the television right now, other than that it is bezel-less, has the same new IQ Ultra CPU as the P-Series (we'll touch on that in a bit), and will be available in two sizes: 55- and 65-inch. There's no word on pricing or availability.

Read more
Vizio updates even 3-year-old SmartCast TVs with AirPlay 2 and HomeKit
vizio-p-series-quantum

Even though we knew it was coming thanks to Apple's previously released list of all TVs that would be getting AirPlay 2 this year, it's still gratifying to see that Vizio announced the rollout of both AirPlay 2 and Apple HomeKit to a huge number of its SmartCast TV models -- some as old as 2016.

The new Apple-powered features are being rolled into Vizio's SmartCast 3.0, an over-the-air update beginning July 31 and will continue to out over the next few months until all compatible TVs are up-to-date. "SmartCast 3.0 is full of added value for Vizio customers," Bill Baxter, Vizio's chief technology officer, said in a statement. "With both AirPlay 2 and HomeKit support, users can now share movies, TV shows, music and more from their favorite apps, including the Apple TV app, directly to SmartCast TVs, and enable TV controls through the Home app and Siri.” Vizio's announcement comes on the heels of LG's announcement earlier in July that it was the first TV manufacturer to add HomeKit.

Read more