Comcast Corp (NYSE:CMCSA) And Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) Working On A Plan to Produce Smart TVs

Comcast Corp (NYSE:CMCSA) and Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) are in talks regarding the development and distribution of smart TV as the cable behemoth seeks to become a hub for streaming apps. The smart TVs which will run on Comcast’s XI software will soon be available on shelves alongside Android and Roku TVs.

Comcast to produce smart TV running on XI software

According to people familiar with the matter, the companies discuss terms that will see the retail giant promoting TVs running on the XI software. This, in return, will set a share of recurring revenue for the cable giants. Sources indicate that a third party will be contracted to manufacture the TV sets, and there might have Walmart Branding. The Comcast software and drawing on the expertise and tech the company has acquired will help consumers navigate through streaming apps.

This move will put Comcast alongside other tech giants that are already major players in the streaming sector. Among the companies include Apple Inc. with Apple TV, Roku Inc., and Amazon.com Inc. with Fire TV. Although Comcast is late in the market, this will not be a problem, and the company will get a chance to extend the reach of XI and platforms such as Flex beyond regional markets where Cable TV is available. Most importantly, it will be another way for the company to grow Peacock’s streaming subscriber base without relying on deals with other companies such as Roku.

Comcast has been considering foraying into smart TVs

A spokesperson of the company said that the company is having a discussion with new suppliers regarding new products and innovations to customers, but they don’t share details of the discussions. Although the company hasn’t commented on the report, it has in the past signaled that it could be interested in exploring such. During the recent earnings call, CEO Brian Roberts said that although they are in the early days, they are looking at smart TVs globally and considering bring the same tech stack for specific aggregation to consumers who are more into smart TVs.