Vizio said via Google+ on Wednesday that its Google TV 2.0-powered stream player, Co-Star, sold out within the first 12 hours it became available for pre-purchase. The company said that pre-orders are now back up and running, but the product page still lists it as "out of stock" as of this writing.
Vizio began taking pre-orders on Wednesday, costing $99.99 on the Vizio.com website. As reported back in June when Vizio first introduced the product, the official specs are minimal at best: 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity, Bluetooth, DNLA support, 3D support, and support for 1080p output via HDMI. It also features an HDMI input port and one USB 2.0 port.
"Grab your Co-Star and turn any HDTV into the ultimate smart TV," reads the product page. "Stream blockbuster movies and hit shows through Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. Play the latest hit console video games through OnLive, or crank out your favorite tunes from iHeartRadio and Pandora. With its innovative universal touchpad remote with keyboard and access to thousands of apps through Google play, Co-Star is as smart as they come."
OnLive said on Tuesday that Co-Star is the first Google TV device to hit the market that actually comes with the cloud gaming service pre-installed. OnLive provides a wide selection of PC and console games that are streamed directly from the cloud including MLB 2K12, Sid Meier’s Civilization V, Batman: Arkham City, Darksiders II, Sonic the Hedgehog and more. Gamers can rent titles, purchase them outright for unlimited play, and/or subscribe to an all-you-can-eat sservice for $9.99 per month.
Also included with Vizio's Co-Star Stream Player is a Bluetooth remote with an innovative touchpad that lets users touch, tap and drag. It also features a full QWERTY keyboard underneath -- simply flip it over to type in a search query, or use the gaming buttons (directions, A/B/X/Y) in your favorite OnLive titles. The remote is universal too, making it easy to control home entertainment devices with one remote.
"The Vizio Co-Star exceeds expectations by combining a definitive user experience with a powerful smart TV platform, resulting in an all-in-one solution that brings the ultimate smart TV experience to any HDTV," Vizio said.
Based on the gadget's "out of stock" status as of this writing, the Co-Star seems to be a highly-anticipated product. Consumers wanting to pre-purchase the $99.99 Google TV device will need to keep checking back with the website until Vizio actually does get the system back up and running. Shipping will be free for a limited time, the company says.
