Sony Bravia TVs are set to become the first hardware devices to support the upcoming Zoom for TV app, available on Google Play. This development allows individuals who continue to work remotely or have hybrid work arrangements to attend virtual meetings and conferences from the comfort of their living rooms. This news follows Apple’s announcement at WWDC 2023 that FaceTime will be introduced to Apple TV, using mounted iPhones, later this year.
As Bravia TVs do not come with built-in webcams, users will need to purchase a separate accessory called Bravia Cam to enable Zoom calls on their televisions. Priced at $200, this device offers additional features such as adjusting sound and picture settings based on the viewer’s location and distance from the TV. It also allows for TV control through hand gestures, eliminating the need for a remote. The Bravia Cam includes a proximity alert system that detects when individuals, particularly children, sit too close to the screen. Furthermore, it incorporates a power-saving mode that dims the screen when there is no viewer present.
Sony has announced that the Zoom for TV app will be available for Bravia TVs “by early summer.” Shusuke Tomonaga, Head of Bravia product design at Sony, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, “This collaboration will enable our customers to experience more immersive video communication on a large TV screen in their living rooms. It will help them stay connected with the people who matter to them, whether they are working from home, participating in remote learning, or simply catching up with friends and family.”
The integration of the Zoom for TV app into Sony Bravia TVs demonstrates the company’s commitment to enhancing remote communication and enabling individuals to stay connected through a larger, more immersive visual experience. As remote work and virtual interactions continue to be significant aspects of modern lifestyles, Sony’s initiative provides users with the convenience and flexibility to conduct meetings and engage in social interactions from the comfort of their homes.
