Redundant Technology in Smart TVs: A Closer Look at Streaming
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Chapter 1: Understanding the Overlap of Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
Have you ever considered how you would access Netflix on your television? Generally, there are two primary methods available today. The first involves utilizing a streaming device, like a Roku or Apple TV. The second option is to take advantage of the integrated Smart TV operating system within your television. Essentially, both methods achieve the same goal, highlighting a common complexity in our tech-driven lives, where companies compete intensely for consumer attention, leading to overlapping solutions.
In the realm of smartphones, a similar redundancy can be observed when manufacturers like Samsung bundle their apps alongside Google's offerings, creating a surplus of options for users. Currently, about 70% of households have a Smart TV, while roughly 40% own a streaming device, indicating a significant overlap between these two technologies. This begs the question: why do both solutions coexist?
Section 1.1: What Defines Smart TVs and Streaming Devices?
The simplest way to conceptualize a Smart TV is as a traditional television equipped with an operating system. This allows it to connect to Wi-Fi and download applications for content access, resembling the functionality of modern laptops and smartphones. This upgrade provides features beyond what a conventional TV could offer, which historically served merely as a conduit for devices like DVD players and cable boxes.
Conversely, a streaming device is designed to encapsulate the smart functionalities of the viewing experience in a compact gadget that connects to any TV with an HDMI port. This innovation allows older televisions to become "smart" and provides a platform for delivering content that can be updated more efficiently than most built-in Smart TV systems.
Despite initial perceptions that streaming devices were merely a temporary fix during the rise of Smart TVs, the reality is that a decade has passed since Smart TVs first emerged, and virtually every new television sold is now a Smart TV. Nevertheless, the popularity of streaming devices persists, with companies like Google and Amazon continually introducing new Chromecast and Fire TV models.
Smart TVs Can Be Smarter: This video discusses the persistent issues with Smart TVs and how they can be improved to enhance user experiences.
Section 1.2: The Rationale Behind Smart TVs
If most users will likely need to purchase a streaming device alongside their Smart TV, one might wonder why invest in a Smart TV at all. If all necessary smart features can be provided through a compact streaming device, what is the purpose of developing platforms like Tizen or WebOS? The answer often lies in convenience. It is significantly easier to access apps like Netflix and Hulu directly through a TV remote than to manage another remote or switch HDMI inputs.
Conversations with thirty individuals revealed a recurring theme: people primarily use Smart TV applications for the sake of convenience. The ability to quickly navigate to Netflix directly from their TV remote is an appealing feature. Consequently, many TVs now come pre-installed with platforms such as Roku or Chromecast, especially in lower-end models from brands like TCL and Sharp.
In discussions with users of both Smart TV operating systems and external streaming solutions, the common complaint centers around specific streaming applications, particularly those from networks like Bravo and FX. This highlights the fragmentation within the television ecosystem, with various software options available, including Tizen OS (Samsung), WebOS (LG), Android TV (Chromecast and Sony), Fire OS (Fire devices), Apple TVOS, and Roku OS (Roku). For a company like Netflix, maintaining compatibility across six different app versions is manageable, but for smaller studios, this complexity can be daunting. Are there simply too many choices in this arena?
Chapter 2: The Smart TV Market Landscape
The current Smart TV market is characterized by a competition for viewer attention, especially with the increasing prevalence of advertisements on these platforms, which enables manufacturers to monetize TVs even after purchase. The narrative surrounding electronics today suggests that merely selling hardware is insufficient; companies also need sustainable revenue streams, largely derived from advertising.
For this reason, many argue that streaming devices provide a more effective solution. Smart TV operating systems can often be seen as tools for convenience at the cost of ad exposure. Furthermore, devices like Roku and Fire Stick typically enjoy longer support periods than Smart TV operating systems, with Roku receiving updates for an average of six years, while many Smart TVs cease to receive feature enhancements after just two years.
Given this context, one must question whether there is any valid reason to continue producing Smart TVs. It appears that dedicated streaming devices present a more comprehensive solution, making the built-in features of brands like Samsung and LG seem somewhat superfluous. Why can't we have a scenario where Smart TV operating systems are optional? If many consumers prefer the functionality of a Roku or Apple TV, why should they pay extra for software that will go unused?
Some functionalities justify owning a Smart TV, such as Samsung’s compatibility with the SmartThings platform for connected home devices, or LG TVs with ThinQ technology. However, for the majority of consumers, a dedicated streaming device may be the more logical choice, eliminating redundancy. It’s time to recognize that Smart TVs have become somewhat unnecessary, and a choice should be offered to consumers.
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