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Earlier this month, furniture company IKEA found itself all over tech blogs thanks to its latest creation. The company was taking furniture to the next level and incorporating a HDTV into its entertainment center. Dubbed the Uppleva, the company didn't offer much in the way of details other than the fact that it would launch next month in Europe, with further launches around the world scheduled for later this year and early in 2013.
Today GigaOm brings us a few more tidbits about the smart TV. For one thing, an IKEA spokesperson has confirmed that the TV will feature applications for some of the biggest video websites out there. These include YouTube, Vimeo and DailyMotion. Users can also expect roughly 20 apps in total for everything from music playback to games to VOD and catch-up video playback. Opera is also rumored to be the web browser of choice for the Uppleva.
The Uppleva boasts an integrated HDTV, Blu-ray/DVD/CD players and MP3 and iPod player (courtesy of Chinese electronics company TCL). Because everything is built into the unit, IKEA has been able to hide away the things you won't want to see, like cables, and design a very minimalist entertainment system. With several designs and configurations, the Uppleva is fully customizable and customers have the option of adding extra compartments for storage or for additional electronic equipment. The entire thing is controlled with a single remote and the TV screens are available in four sizes, ranging from 24 inches to 46 inches.
GigaOm reports that Italy, France, Germany, Poland will get the Uppleva next month. Availability for more European countries is to be added in the fall. Next year, the entertainment system will arrive in the U.S. Pricing for the Uppleva will start at $960 when it debuts in Europe.
Jane McEntegart is a writer, editor, and marketing communications professional with 17 years of experience in the technology industry. She has written about a wide range of technology topics, including smartphones, tablets, and game consoles. Her articles have been published in Tom's Guide, Tom's Hardware, MobileSyrup, and Edge Up.
