[Mark Hodgkinson]

Hisense Pulse set to hit US market at under $100

Hisense, not a company we're overly familiar with, is to unveil the Hisense Pulse with Google TV device at IFA later this week ahead of its retail release in North America mid-November. Presumably, since they are showing it off in Europe, we will see a version too.

The Hisense Pulse with Google TV will connect to any TV with an HDMI input and enables consumers to enjoy, what Hisense describe as 'the richest web, search, apps and TV content experience possible'.

The company says the device – which will have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of under $99 – offers true plug-and-play versatility, with easy set up and connectivity right out of the box. Built on Android, Google TV brings TV-optimised versions of Google services such as Chrome, Google Play, Search, TV and Movies and YouTube. It supports content and screen resolutions from 480i up to 1080p, as well as H.264, MPEG-4 and AVC formats.

“This box effectively bridges the gap to the latest in home entertainment, without the need for expensive hardware upgrades,” said JoAnne Foist, Director of Marketing at Hisense USA. “Most people have at least one HDTV in their home and with the addition of a Hisense Pulse with Google TV, we offer the liberty of accessing not just TV, but a host of streaming content, web surfing and TV apps (such as Pandora Radio, CNNMoney, Motor Trend, and Thuuz) that are available in Google Play. Compared to other streaming devices, the Hisense Pulse with Google TV allows consumers to experience a new level of smart content discovery and viewing recommendations. Hisense delivers a low-cost device that provides the outstanding performance and quality for which our brand is known,” she claimed.

The Hisense Pulse with Google TV features various connectivity options, including HDMI input and output, USB, Ethernet and built-in Wi-Fi. Also included in the box is a double sided remote control featuring a built-in touchpad and dedicated Netflix button on one side and a QWERTY keyboard on the other side.

“For consumers who already have an HDTV and want to enjoy all the benefits of streaming content, the convenience of web access and apps, Google TV is the answer,” continued Foist. “It allows users to take advantage of their existing cable/satellite TV subscriptions and their existing high-definition TVs to bring many features straight to their fingertips. The lines between traditional TV and Web content are blurring – people want to watch all types of content, and the Hisense Pulse with Google TV provides exactly that,” she added.