With the aim to take on giants like Apple, Netflix, Google and others, Chinese internet and technology conglomerate LeEco has entered the US with a slew of products that include smartphones, TVs, smart bikes, a video streaming service, concepts for virtual reality headsets and self-driving cars.
At the “Ignite the Eco World” event here on Wednesday, LeEco unveiled an open, integrated internet ecosystem that involves platform, content, apps and connected smart devices.
“We are disrupting several categories and changing the paradigm by breaking down barriers and boundaries between industries and screens to create a better experience and more value for both individuals and industries,” YT Jia, founder, chairman and CEO of LeEco, told the media here.
LeEco has partnered with top content providers including Lionsgate, MGM, Showtime, Vice Media, Awesomeness TV and A+E in the US to bring its intuitive Ecosystem User Interface (eui) content platform to life.
The interface provides seamless interconnectivity across all LeEco devices by removing the barriers between software, hardware, platform content and apps.
The newly-launched Le Pro3 (priced at $399) is LeEco’s flagship smartphone that features 5.5-inch screen with Corning Gorilla Glass and comes with 2.5D curved edges.
Le Pro3 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 processor, sports 16MP rear camera, 8MP front camera and houses 4,070 mAh battery.
The device has surround-sound powered by Dolby Atmos and Continual Digital Lossless Audio (CDLA) technology.
Le S3 smartphone (priced at $249) features a 5.5-inch screen, Qualcomm Snapdragon 652 processor, 16MP rear camera and 8MP selfie camera.
The Le S3 combines the power of CDLA and Dolby Atmos with in-box Type-C CDLA earphones for the rich audio experience.
Both the smartphones come with three-month EcoPass membership.
LeEco also launched flagship uMax85 4K TV that has a 85-inch display and features full array, 448 active local dimming zones, HDR, Dolby Vision, Fluid Motion 1920 Display Technology and Harmon Kardon Audio.
The uMax85 will cost $4,999 and will carry a 12-month free EcoPass membership.
Available in a range of screen sizes including 43, 55 and 65 inches, the Super4 X Series TV’s feature HDR, Harman Kardon speakers and 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage.
The 43-inch TV is priced at $649 with 3-month free EcoPass membership. The 55-inch TV costs $899 with 12-month free EcoPass membership and the 65-inch TV costs $1,399 with a 12-month free EcoPass membership.
The smartphones and TVs will be available on LeMall.com through a flash sale from November 2.
LeEco recently acquired hardware and software businesses of US TV company VIZIO Inc. for $2 billion to strengthen its presence in North America as part of its globalisation strategy.
The company also previewed its vision of connected screens that includes smart bikes, virtual reality and self-driving electric vehicles. Last month, LeEco said it had raised $1 billion for its electric car venture.
The LeEco Super Bike is an Android smart bike that offers security, connectivity and a smart riding system. The ExploreVR provides a virtual reality experience for games, apps, movies and TV shows.
The company also showcased “Le SEE”, its self-driving electric vehicle with features such as machine-learning of facial, emotion, system and path recognition.
The prototype “Le SEE” car has adjustable seating and a steering wheel that disappears into its dashboard.
“LeEco’s ecosystem of advanced smart devices runs on its internet and Cloud platform, LeCloud, which is one of the world’s largest video cloud networks,” the company said.
However, media reports said that one of its prototype electric cars was involved in a crash during its drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco.
To provide greater value for users, LeEco has created “EcoPass” that brings together high-value benefits including-a two-year warranty for LeEco smartphones and three-years for TVs, 5TB of cloud storage on LeCloud and unlimited storage for photos and videos and unlimited movie viewing on movie viewing service Fandor.
With a unique User Planning to User (UP2U) programme, LeEco gives users a voice in how the ecosystem evolves and the opportunity to co-create the experience and the next-generation of LeEco products.
Anuj Sharma / IANS