North East TV manufacturer Cello Electronics has partnered with internet giant Google to produce a new range of smart TVs.
The Bishop Auckland firm, which is the last remaining LED TV manufacturer in the 海角视频, has worked with Google on the televisions, which come with Google Assistant, Chromecast and Google Play Store all built in to one device.
The company has initially launched the TVs in a range from 24 inches up to 50 inches, but says larger screens will follow later in the year, including sets with 4K resolution.
Cello has hailed the importance of the partnership, which it says gives viewers the ability to access a range of online services through their TV.
Brian Palmer, CEO of Cello Electronics, said: 鈥淚t鈥檚 really great for us. Over the years we鈥檝e made smart TVs and spent a lot of money on developing them, but now I can say that they were never as good as the major brands, which had more resources than we have when it comes to developing smart TVs.
鈥淏ut with this partnership with Google, we鈥檙e getting the very best smart TV technology that鈥檚 available on the market.鈥
Cello was founded in 2001 and has produced more than two million TVs from its factory in the North East. On average, it manufactures 200,000 TVs each year and in its most recent accounts posted a turnover of 拢17.9m.
The company is known for its innovation, including the introduction of the iViewer in 2011 and the launch of the world鈥檚 first solar-powered TV in 2016, helping people in Africa without access to electricity.
Cello currently has a workforce of 110 and said people鈥檚 need for entertainment during the coronavirus lockdown meant that it was currently trading around 20% ahead of last year.
The company maintained its full time employees during the lockdown, though agency staff were furloughed.
Mr Palmer added: 鈥淧artnering with Google has been a fantastic move for us as a British business.
鈥淭o be able to give our customers viewing choices not only from Google Play Store and Freeview Play content, but to be able to cast directly from your phone to the TV is technology that we鈥檙e thrilled to share.鈥
