Daniel J SaitPhilips Professional Display Solutions is now offering a complimentary Android upgrade across its range of HFL5014 and 6014 Google-certified MediaSuite hospitality TVs, bringing the latest entertainment, control and security features to new and existing models, whilst extending product lifetime, maximising return on investment and reducing e-waste for a more positive environmental impact.
As part of Philips PDS’ commitment to supporting the hospitality industry, the company’s ‘Extended Lifetime’ promise ensures its Android-powered hotel TVs get better with age, with regular updates bringing a consistent, high-performing experience in every room, regardless of when the TV was purchased.
Jeroen Verhaeghe, Global Product Manager for Professional TVs, commented, “We don’t believe in limiting the latest and greatest features to the newest Philips models. We want our customers to be able to offer the best experience at all times, not just when their TVs are due for replacement. We hope our strategy brings some welcome relief to the industry, both today and into the future.”
Available now, the latest Android 9 (P) TV update can be installed either remotely, using Philips PDS’ exclusive CMND control and management platform, or manually via software downloaded onto a dedicated USB stick from philips.com/p-p.
Android P further enhances all the existing features being enjoyed by hoteliers and hotel guests around the world today, plus a raft of new ones, ensuring the technology keeps pace with and meets customers’ expectations in the way they choose to access and consume content.
Announced at ISE 2020, the Android 9 (P) update will see MediaSuite hospitality TVs among the first in the world to include embedded Netflix – allowing the streaming service’s 193 million subscribers to enjoy all their favourite content through their in-room display.
Meanwhile, with over 60.5 million subscribers, the Disney+ streaming application provides access to movies and TV shows under the Disney umbrella, including Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic.
Google Assistant has become a common feature in people’s lives, using voice commands to control household items and access a wide range of information and content. With Android P, guests will have the optional convenience of controlling their TV and accessing online information, such as news, weather or local information, entirely through the power of their voice.
In addition, a newly designed remote control from Philips PDS also brings peace of mind around security, with Google Assistant only activated (listening) after pressing a dedicated button first, with a flashing light indicating when and when not operational.
All TVs will include the latest security updates from Google Android, as well as those from Philips PDS, reportedly making MediaSuite Pro TVs among the most secure on the planet, bringing peace of mind to hotels and their guests.
Verhaeghe adds, “The update to Android P is far more than a regular software update. It’s a complete platform upgrade and true game-changer to the industry, the way businesses think of technology and the regularity at which that technology is replaced.
“With MediaSuite and our Extended Lifetime guarantee, hotel TVs get better with age, ensuring greater return on investment and the ultimate, uncompromised TV viewing experience for every guest in every room.”
“At Philips PDS we are committed to creating a more sustainable path forward for the AV industry,” added Franck Racape, Commercial Vice President EMEA.
“One that brings benefits to all of our customers, reducing carbon footprints and the effects we are seeing from every type of waste. From reimagining packaging through to extending product lifetimes, sustainability is a key requirement for our customers and a clear deliverable achieved with these updates.”