Last year, TCL embarked on a Google TV adventure by equipping a range of 4K televisions with Google technology. Now it's time to add AirPlay 2 and HomeKit as well. TCL has renewed the complete line-up in Europe for this. There is therefore a good chance that you can immediately use it when you purchase a new TCL television. It concerns the following TCL models:
- C735
- C835
- C935
These are in several sizes available. You can see more specs later in a table, but the prices are not yet known.
Also Sony Bravia with Google TV and AirPlay
TCL is not the first to add AirPlay to televisions that run on the Google TV platform. Last year Sony already added it to the Bravia line and earlier a number of Android TV models from Sony already received AirPlay support. The difference is that with TCL all wireless Google TV functions can still be used, such as Google Assistant and the built-in Chromecast function.
Control TCL TV with HomeKit
The models mentioned are suitable for both Apple standards, so AirPlay 2 and HomeKit. You can then transfer the contents of your iPhone screen to your TV without having to purchase an Apple TV. You can also control your TV via the Home app and with Siri. The support of HomeKit does not mean that you immediately have a Home hub at home, because it does not go much further than controlling your television. You can read more information about this in our AirPlay 2 TV or Apple TV decision aid?
The news leaked through a presentation from TBC. Photo via FlatPanelsHD.
TCL televisions are usually available at Mediamarkt, Bol.com and similar stores, but we haven't found these new models with AirPlay and HomeKit there yet. So you will have to be patient for a while. They will go on sale in April/May according to FlatPanelsHD. Prices are not yet known.
These are the main specs and available screen sizes:
TCL 2022 models Features Formats TCL C735 4K LCD
Direct LED
Google TV 11.0 43″
50″
55″
65″
75″
85″
98″ TCL C835 4K LCD
miniLED FALD (up to 360)
miniLED (360, 288, 240 zones in 75, 65, 55″)
Google TV 11.0 55″
65″
75″ TCL C9354K LCD
miniLED FALD (up to 1920)
miniLED (1920 zones in 75″, 1080 zones in 65″)
Google TV 11.0 65″
75″
In early April, TCL announced an even wider range of Google TV models, intended for the European market. This concerns five series, from cheap 4K LED TVs to high-end mini-LED models. The big disappointment was that they do not come with Android 12, but with Android 11 (as can also be seen in the table above).
This is the TCL range< /h2>
To get an idea of how these AirPlay models fit into the rest of the range: the entry-level models are the P73 and P63 with 4K, Dolby Vision and an image size of 43″ to 85″.
The mid-range is the C73 series with variable refresh rate, HDMI 2.1 and an image size up to 98″. This also includes the C735 with AirPlay. There is also a slightly cheaper C63 that does not have the aforementioned features.
Slightly more expensive is the C83 series with mini-LED in sizes of 55″, 65″ and 75″. This has HDMI 2.1, a variable refresh rate and 4K120 content. You can also find an AirPlay model in this series, namely the C835.
The top models can be found in the C93 series, in sizes 65″ and 75″. Compared to the C83 series, this has more dimming zones. There is also VRR and automatic low-latency input, 4K120 input and HDMI 2.1. The C935 is the model you want if you want AirPlay and HomeKit too.
If you already have a TCL television with Google TV, there is little chance that AirPlay and HomeKit will be added later.
Roku TVs with AirPlay and HomeKit
TCL also releases Roku TVs that already worked with AirPlay and HomeKit, but they are not sold in Europe. The Roku media stick has been available in Germany since last year. This is a media player comparable to Google Chromecast and the Amazon Fire TV Stick, but they are available in the Netherlands and Belgium. but limited use. Moreover, you cannot suddenly make your TV AirPlay or HomeKit-compatible.
See our overview of AirPlay 2 televisions for more choice.