# Expanded TV Smart TV capabilities expand in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Apr 23, 2020 | Category: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/technology-trends-and-gadgets) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/expanded-tv ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.5/10 - Evidence articles: 9 ## What is the Expanded TV trend? **Expanded TV:** As physical distancing keeps people indoors, sources of entertainment are limited to things like television, reading and creative hobbies. Understanding this, tech brands are expanding the capabilities and compatibilities of their smart TVs in the hopes that they'll be helping people cope and distract themselves. ## The consumer insight behind the Expanded TV trend The drastic disruptions that consumers have faced in their daily routines have also brought to light people's ability to adapt to lifestyle upheavals. Consumers are turning to a variety of different resources to keep themselves busy, and to cope with the stress that's come with financial insecurity and fear for the health of themselves and their loved ones. People who are living with these changes are drawn to brands that support and enhance the routines they are currently permitted to take part in. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 9 featured examples - Articles from: Mar 30, 2020 to Oct 12, 2021 - Published: Apr 23, 2020 - Patterns: [Convergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/convergence) - Megatrends: [Hybridization](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/hybridization), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Expanded TV trend ### Expanded Smart TV Capabilities Tech brands are expanding the capabilities of their smart TVs in the hopes of helping people cope and distract themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic. ### Home Workout Apps Compatible with Smart TVs With the demand for home workout platforms reaching all-time highs because of COVID-19, brands like Peloton and Samsung are making their apps compatible with smart TVs. ### Hybrid TV Platforms TV providers are striving to deliver multitiered watching solutions capable of blending and organizing content from a wide range of sources including streaming apps and traditional cable. ## What the Expanded TV trend means for industry ### For Smart TV Industry As smart TV makers add more capabilities and features, there is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in areas like hybrid platforms, fully-integrated TVs, and app-focused 4K TVs. ### For Home Workout Industry With the demand for home workout platforms reaching all-time highs, there is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in smart TV-compatible workout apps and more streamlined fitness technology. ### For Streaming Industry As new streaming platforms emerge, there is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in alternative streaming options and more cross-compatible TV services that allow access to multiple apps at once. ## Workshop question How is your brand enhancing the quality of life for its customers? ## Trend signals for Expanded TV Trend score 4.5 out of 10, from popularity 70%, activity 54%, freshness 10%. - Popularity: 70% - Activity: 54% - Freshness: 10% ## Examples of the Expanded TV trend 9 featured examples from Mar 30, 2020 to Oct 12, 2021. - [Cross-Compatible Home Workout Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-peloton-app): The Peloton App is Now Accessible Through the Android TV (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The fitness industry should explore the potential of cross-compatible home workout apps, like the Peloton app on Android TV, to tap into new markets and better cater to the needs… - [TV-Based Video Chat Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portal-tv): Facebook's Portal TV Enables Users to Chat, Co-Watch & More (Category: Tech) Implication: The integration of video chat platforms like Portal TV into smart home technology opens up disruptive innovation opportunities for companies in the smart home industry to create s… - [App-Focused 4K Smart TVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nokia-smart-tv-7500a): The Nokia Smart TV 7500A Offers Access to More Than 7,000 Apps (Category: Tech) Implication: The consumer electronics industry can benefit from the trend of app-focused 4K smart TVs by developing and marketing new features of these TVs. - [Fully-Integrated Smart TVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sky-glass): Sky Launches its Own Full-Service Smart TV Called 'Sky Glass' (Category: Tech) Implication: The smart TV market presents opportunities for companies to incorporate innovative technologies and features. - [Hybrid TV Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elisa): Elisa Releases Next-Generation TV Service Built For Mixed Viewing Habits (Category: Business) Implication: Telecommunications companies can evaluate the potential of introducing hybrid TV platforms that blend traditional cable and streaming apps, to offer a superior customer experience. - [Alternative Streaming Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-entertainment): Electric Entertainment Launches OTT Service for Vizio Smart TVs (Category: Business) Implication: Entertainment companies offering alternative streaming options to reach viewers outside of traditional cable channels - [Voice-Controlled Smart TVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fire-tv-omni-series): Amazon Launches Its First Line of TVs Called the 'Fire TV Omni Series' (Category: Business) Implication: Consumer electronics companies can leverage emerging trends in Smart TVs to create new products that provide seamless, personalized, and engaging user experiences. - [Smart TV-Compatible Fitness Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-fitness-apps): Samsung is Releasing Six Fitness Apps Compatible with Smart TVs (Category: Tech) Implication: Manufacturers of smart TVs, like Samsung, can further innovate their products by partnering with fitness companies or developing their own fitness apps to increase customer value. - [Streamlined Smart TV Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/movies-anywhere-app): LG Will Make the Movies Anywhere App Available for Smart TVs (Category: Tech) Implication: The development of streamlined smart TV apps presents innovative opportunities for companies in the entertainment technology industry to enhance user experience. ## Recent trend clusters - [Delegated Interfaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/delegated-interfaces) (Tech) - [Adaptive Controls](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/adaptive-controls) (Tech) - [Desk Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/desk-systems) (Tech) - [Spatial Refinement](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/spatial-refinement) (Tech) ## Trending in Tech - [Decor-Led Home Projectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/decor-led-home-projectors) - [Accessible Fintech Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chequing-account) - [Dual-Wavelength Recovery Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/joint-therapy) - [Pop-Culture WiFi Routers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pop-culture-wifi-routers) All articles: [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech)