The topic Walmart now sells Google TV sets starting at $250, including ‘The Fresco’ art TV… is currently the subject of lively discussion — readers and analysts are keeping a close eye on developments.
This is taking place in a dynamic environment: companies’ decisions and competitors’ reactions can quickly change the picture.
As rumored, Walmart has quietly debuted a collection of Onn-branded TV sets that are all powered by Google TV, with prices starting as low as $248.
Walmart, the company that bought Vizio not all that long ago, is no stranger to sell self-branded TV sets. There’s been a string of TVs from the Onn brand, including several running the Cast OS from Vizio. But some listings earlier this year suggested that a new batch would run Google TV and, sure enough, they’ve arrived.
This starts with two, fairly simple 4K UHD QLED sets that are pretty incredible deals. There’s a 55-inch model for $248, and a 65-inch size for $358. Both pack 60Hz panels, Dolby Vision, and a modified version of the same remote used on Walmart’s Google TV streaming dongles. Both models offer three HDMI ports. Details on dimming zones and such are not provided, but they look at least halfway decent for the price tag.
Far more interesting here is that Walmart Onn is now the latest brand – following others such as TCL and Hisense – using Google TV to build a competitor to Samsung’s “The Frame” series.
“The Fresco” is Walmart’s attempt, with 55-inch and 65-inch sizes that include an anti-glare matte finish to the display and a faux wood frame in either “Walnut” or “Golden Brown.”
Compared to the sets above, these sets look much thinner and more modern, and there’s a unique remote too. The frame can be removed (and is held together by magnets) and there’s a “telescopic hanger” wall mount that appears to be included. “Gallery Mode” can cycle through artwork or your own personal pictures. Like the cheaper sets, Dolby Vision and 4K UHD is on display with this QLED panel, and Walmart calls out Apple AirPlay support on “The Fresco,” something not mentioned on the lower-end units. These also have three HDMI ports.
Pricing lands at $548 and $698 for the 55-inch and 65-inch sizes, respectively.
Again, it’s hard to take issue with that price tag, assuming the quality is actually decent in person. Walmart’s early review program was active on “The Fresco,” to a widely positive response – take that with a grain of salt, of course, given these aren’t actual buyers.