While the main focus of Panasonic’s 2023 TV launch was high-end OLED models, there is one product that could pique the interest of smart home enthusiasts.
The MX800 4K LED TV is Panasonic’s first model to run on Amazon’s Fire TV operating system, and it comes with a bespoke (if slightly large) remote that has a few extra features designed to make browsing more faster and easier, voice control without really speaking.
First, there’s the “My App” button, which current Panasonic TV users may already be familiar with. It’s a customizable key that can be assigned as a shortcut to apps like Disney+, which is fairly common – but what sets this feature apart is the fact that it can remember voice commands for various features .
During a media demonstration at Tech Advisor in Berlin, a Panasonic representative used the remote’s microphone to say the “go to profiles” command. The TV then recorded this phrase and the user was able to record the command to the “My App” button quite easily.
This feature is also available on Alexa Voice Remote Pro, but this remote is only available as an additional purchase (priced at £34.99 on Amazon), rather than being included with all Fire TV devices in standard.
Voice control is also compatible with Alexa Routines. So if you have smart devices enabled in the house, you can use any voice command you want on the remote (such as “Alexa, turn on the lights”) and then assign it to the My App button to control your devices with a single click.
Another shortcut included on the Panasonic MX800 remote is a button for picture mode, so you can quickly change colors and settings on the HDR backlit panel to suit your preferences without delving into the settings menu. All panel graphics are powered by Panasonic’s HCX processor.
For browsing, the MX800 has a Universal TV Guide that streamlines both linear TV channels and content from streaming services like Amazon Prime Video and Freevee, keeping everything in one convenient place.
This TV is a prototype and may differ from the final product
Hannah Cowton / Foundry
While Fire TV is a very feature-packed operating system, we found it to be a bit heavy in advertising Amazon content to other media players and TVs. If that’s not for you, Panasonic also has a range of TVs that run on Google TV and its own operating system, My Home Screen 8.0. The TV also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+ and Dolby Atmos.
Panasonic didn’t provide pricing or release dates for the MX800, but last year’s LX800 range started from £499. When it finally hits shelves, it will be available in 43, 50, 55, 65, 75, and 85 inch sizes. Unfortunately, Panasonic televisions are not available in the United States. You can also read why the MZ2000, MZ1500 and MZ980 are ideal TVs for gamers, as well as our roundup of the best TVs you can buy right now.
