SoftBank is releasing SmartTV, it’s highly anticipated service that will be directly taking on Apple TV in the Japanese market. It allows you to watch high-quality video contents just by connecting the dedicated stick to your TV’s HDMI terminal.

And you are not restricted to using a limited remote control – you can install a remote control app (free) to your smartphone or tablet to start watching the contents and use your smartphone/tablet as a remote control through a wi-fi connection.

The service will offer streaming Japanese content from providers such as:
- TSUTAYA TV (40,000 programs)
- UULA (60,000 programs)
- GyaO! (2,000 programs)
- BBTV NEXT (up to 50 channels)

Rental contents through providers such as TSUTAYA TV will run from about 100 yen and higher for individual programs. Various packages at various monthly amounts will also be offered.

Service starting date is February 21 and monthly fee will be 490yen. This service was originally announced in October.

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