by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice's video streaming service Showmax has partnered with Skyworth's QVWi and will launch a Leap S2 streaming stick as well as a Leap S3 streaming TV box from August pre-loaded with the Showmax app and a 2-month subscription.
With these streaming devices, older and incompatible TVs are transformed into smart TV sets.
From August QVWi, a Skyworth company which KwaZulu-Natal's largest local manufacturer of electronic products, will preload Showmax as a video streaming service app and a 2-months free subscription.
It comes as Netflix's app is no longer working from this week on multiple models of older Sony smart TVs and Apple TVs and consumers and viewers are forced to buy new TV sets.
The QVWi Leap TV S2 streaming stick has built-in Google Chromecast technology and the device can be plugged into a TV's HDMI port to start streaming shows directly from the Showmax app to the TV.
The QVWi Leap S3 streaming TV box works in the same manner and will also offer access to Showmax's content library.
Showmax warns that only Showmax subscribers on the Showmax Entertainment plan will be able to watch Showmax on their flat-screen TVs.
Subscribers on the Showmax Entertainment Mobile and Showmax Premier League Mobile plans will not be able to use these QVWi devices to watch on big-screen TVs.
The QVWi Leap TV streaming stick has a recommended retail price of R999 and the QVWi Leap S3 streaming box has a recommended retail price of R1199, with both making it possible for TV viewers to upgrade older model TVs to latest streaming technology.
The QVWi devices are compatible with a wider range of TVs and home entertainment systems for a premium HD viewing experience, has lightning-fast processors, and come with dual-band Wi-Fi and up to 100M ethernet support for a lag-free viewing experience.
It has Chromecast built-in for cordless viewing using a phone, tablet or laptop, an easy-to-use navigation interface and a Google Assistant button on the voice remote that can be used to request specific shows or to do a search by genre, actor and more.
It also has Bluetooth compatibility and provides personalised recommendations and watchlists based on viewing habits.
"We are thrilled to partner with QVWi to bring these innovative, affordable streaming devices to the market," says Marc Jury, Showmax CEO.
"Our goal has always been to make entertainment accessible to everyone. This partnership helps us achieve our mission to be the home of streaming for Africa by providing our customers with more affordable options to enjoy our fantastic content."
Nazim Cassim, QVWi retail CEO, says "Collaborating with Showmax allows us to leverage our technological expertise to create products that enhance the user experience".
"These devices provide a smooth and lag-free viewing experience that will immerse you in the action, whether you're binge-watching a show or enjoying a blockbuster movie. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible sights and sounds that await you."
