Hong Kong’s Now TV launches Android TV set top box

Now TV, the media entertainment arm of HKT, today launched Now H1, a smart device that runs on the Android TV smart operating system (“OS”) and enables Now H1 users to enjoy a world of entertainment with Now TV movies, drama, sports and edutainment, as well as all their favourite personal apps from Google Play1.

Being Hong Kong’s number one pay-TV operator, Now TV is constantly enhancing its service offering to provide the best content and viewing experience to customers.

With the launch of Now H1, through Google Assistant2, customers can easily control their Now TV, Now H1 and smart home devices – all with just their voice. The built-in Google Assistant, which supports voice commands in both English and Cantonese, is among the latest enhancements for Now TV, helping to enrich the entertainment experience for customers. In addition to asking Google Assistant for weather information, Now TV customers can press the Google Assistant button on
their remote to switch channels, play their favourite TV show, look for soccer match schedules, and even get programme suggestions, simply by using voice commands
in English or Cantonese.

Smart device control3 is another highlight of Now H1. Google Assistant can operate smart devices that are linked to the same home via the Now H1 remote control. Now TV customers can use it to activate their lights, air-conditioner, Now TV and even home security system. (https://bettysco.com)

Now TV customers can also download and access their favourite apps from Google Play. For customers’ added convenience, Now TV has handpicked leading entertainment apps and preloaded them on Now H1, such as HBO GO, ViuTV, Viu, Da Vinci Kids, Netflix, Red Bull TV, Bloomberg and Deutsche Welle4.

Mr Derek Choi, Managing Director of HKT Home, said, “We are thrilled to introduce Now H1, the all-in-one home companion, to families in Hong Kong. Integrated with
Google Assistant, Now H1 takes home entertainment to the next level. Viewers are able to operate the box and discover Now TV content using Google Assistant in
English as well as our local language, Cantonese. Furthermore, we are integrating popular apps from around the world with Now H1, allowing customers to access
home entertainment using the same box without switching between devices and accounts. Customers can also enjoy the added convenience brought by connected smart devices.”

Mr Choi added, “Committed to bringing enthralling entertainment options to our audience, Now TV will continue to explore the possibilities presented by emerging technologies. Through applying state-of-the-art innovations and utilising the latest gadgets, we shall strive to further enhance the home enjoyment and viewing
experience.”

Mr Michael Yue, General Manager of Sales & Operations of Google Hong Kong, said, “We are excited to collaborate with HKT to combine Android TV with its new Now H1
device, providing a smart entertainment experience that the whole family can enjoy. In addition to the robust content library from Google Play, with Google Assistant built into Now H1 with Android TV, people can easily discover the Now TV content library and control smart home devices using a simple voice command. We look forward to more innovations with developers and ecosystem players that build for the big screen.” BCS Bureau