Philips Professional Display Solutions is offering a complimentary Android upgrade across its range of HFL5014 and 6014 Google-certified MediaSuite hospitality TVs, bringing all 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 game-changing ‘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.”
Futureproof room upgrade
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.
The Philips MediaSuite range was first introduced during ISE 2019, setting a new industry standard for hospitality, offering best-in-class premium 4K performance, plus an extensive array of pro TV firsts. These included Chromecast built-in, access to thousands of Apps via the Google Play Store and extensive remote personalisation and back-end control and management capabilities.
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. These include:
- Netflix
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 seamlessly through their in-room display.
- Disney+
With over 60.5 million subscribers, the Disney+ streaming application provides access to the latest and favourite movies and TV shows under the Disney umbrella, including Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic.
- Google Assistant
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.
- Latest Security Patches:
All TVs will include the latest security updates from Google Android, as well as those from Philips PDS, 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.”
Future-focused sustainability
Extending the lifetime of products through these invaluable software updates brings bigger picture benefits to the hospitality industry and beyond, reducing e-waste, as well as enhancing return on investment.
Commenting on these benefits, Franck Racape, Commercial Vice President EMEA, added: “At Philips PDS we are committed to creating a more sustainable path forward for the AV industry. 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.”
