CES 2017: Xumo Taps ‘Virtual Input’ to Stream to Hisense and Sharp TVs

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Xumo, the company behind a free, ad-supported video platform for connected TVs and mobile apps, said it has inked a deal to power a “virtual input” on new 2016 and 2017 Hisense and Sharp smart TVs in the U.S.

Xumo said the deal paves the way for it to offer 60 free streaming channels on a new Xumo-labeled virtual input selection on supported connected TVs from Hisense and Sharp. China-based Hisense struck a deal to acquire Sharp America in 2015.

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As part of the native integration of Xumo’s OTT service, supported smart TVs from Hisense and Sharp will also support a “last channel” feature that enables viewers to pick up where they left off without needing to switch inputs.

“Xumo’s native integration with Hisense and Sharp smart TVs as a virtual input is the first of its kind,” Colin Petrie-Norris, Xumo’s CEO said, in a statement.

Xumo, which has launched apps for iOS and Android, is also offered on devices and smart TVs from Vizio, Panasonic, and Funai Electric Co. Ltd., which sells Sanyo-, Magnavox- and Philips-branded TVs in North America. Xumo is also on Channel Plus, an offering exclusive to LG-made connected TVs.

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