More than one month after Alibaba announced its Internet TV strategy and a set-top box, the box now is available on its group buying platform, Juhuasuan. The list price of the box, named Wasu Rainbow, is about 400 yuan ($65) — now it is sold for 298 yuan on Juhuasuan (Xiaomi box is sold at 299 yuan).
Today the company, partnering with local TV manufacturer Skyworth, unveiled three Smart TV models powered by Alibaba’s Internet TV solution, an Android-based operating system, and Skyworth Tianci system. Skyworth is the first one that announced such a partnership after the launch of Alibaba’s solution.
Two models that support 3D video are sized at 55 inches and 42 inches and will be sold for RMB4999 and RMB2999, respectively. A 2D version, 42 inch, will be sold for RMB 1999. The three will be available for sale in October.
The solution by Alibaba, apart from allowing for playing online videos and displaying content from mobile devices, supports shopping from Alibaba’s group-buy platform Juhuasuan and paying bills through Alipay.
Skyworth has been in TV manufacturing industry for more than a decade. A Skyworth executive claims their Smart TVs are superior over Xiaomi Smart TV in screen panel, chip, among others, at the launch event today.
Leave a comment