Philips presents two new 8000 series TVs with Full HD and Ultra HD resolution. These are the first TVs based on Philips’ new Android Smart TV platform. Will Android rule the future of Smart TVs?

Philips' new 8000 TVs with Android
In a crowded and unsuccessful Smart TV space, can Android solve the problems? Philips believes so. They have worked on optimizing Android for the TV screen and this vision is realized with the new 8000 series TVs that are significantly different from Philips’ other 2014 TVs.

Philips will release a Full HD version (actually two design variants) and an Ultra HD version. The Full HD TV uses a quad-core processor and the Ultra HD TV uses a “Hex-core” processor, which should improve navigation and speed. All TVs are based on Android 4.2.2.


In principle, you can run any Android app on Philips’ Smart TV, but they have chosen to optimize a few and brand them as officially supported. Preinstalled apps include Google Chrome, Search, Voice Search, Google Play Movies, Google Play Music and YouTube. More can be installed in the 2.7 GB memory.

On top of the Android platform, you will find Philips’ legacy portal that offers access to apps such as Netflix, SF Anytime, Headweb, Viaplay, Spotify and more. Philips has not demonstrated how the two platforms will integrate.

- “By combining Android’s strengths with our existing Philips Smart TV offering, we will massively enrich the TV experience and make it smarter.” says Albert Mombarg, Head of Smart TV, TP Vision,


Dual tuner for recording
Philips is also adding a twin-tuner to its new 8000 TVs. The twin-tuner enables you to record one TV channel while watching another. It is possible to schedule future recordings, too, and stream TV channels and recordings to other TVs with the Multiroom function.

Philips is still all-on on Ambilight. The Full HD model offers 4-sided Ambilight and the Ultra HD has 3-sided Ambilight. Other notable features include Miracast screen mirroring, active 3D, and HbbTV support.

Philips' new 8000 TVs will be available in May. The Ultra HD will be available in 55" called 55PUS8809 and the Full HD version will be available in 48” and 55" called 48PFS8109, 48PFS8209, 48PFS8109, and 48PFS8209.