McLEAN, VA.: Qualcomm’s new FLO TV has received a lukewarm review from Edward Baig, technology writer for USA Today. The stand-alone, handheld TV was rolled out by the San Diego, Calif., wireless company last month for use with it’s MediaFLO-based video offering, also known as FLO TV.
It carries a suggested retail price of $249.99, with a three-year subscription programming package going for $9 a month. The channel line-up includes CNBC, Comedy Central, MSNBC, MTV, NBC, NBC 2Go, NBC News, NBC Sports, Nickelodeon, Fox News, CBS Mobile--half the number supplied to AT&T and Verizon through MediaFLO.
He notes that the device doesn’t pick up local channels like “those small battery-operated conventional TVs you might take camping or to a football game.”
Operating the five-ounce device was simple, and the touch screen channel changes happen “fairly instantaneous,” he said. Baig tested the device in the New York city area, where he described coverage as “OK.” As for picture quality, he said the screen was “fuzzy,” and there’s no way to connect the device to a larger monitor.
“For now,” Baig wrote, “its pickings are too slim, the quality of the TV signal is so-so and its price too high.”
His full review is available at USA Today.
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More on the FLO TV TV:
October 7, 2009: “Qualcomm Rolls Out Handheld FLO TV”
Qualcomm unveiled its handheld FLO TV this week, in time for the holiday season.
September 24, 2009: “FLO TV Device Spotted”
Techie sites across the innertubes are reporting a spotting of Qualcomm’s new dedicated mobile TV device.
August 26, 2009: “FLO TV Mobile Device”
Tech blog maestro Peter Rojas set the tubes on fire today with a breaking story about a new portable DTV from Qualcomm.
June 12, 2009: “Analog Broadcasting Ends”
Qualcomm announced its plan to expand into 39 new markets.
April 3, 2009: “FLO TV Expands Coverage”
Qualcomm’s FLO TV Announced it had expanded coverage in 16 markets...
February 13, 2009: “Internet Radios Gain Ground”
Audiovox and Qualcomm’s MediaFLO plan to deliver 20 channels of live video into the car using an add-on device.
