SAN FRANCISCO: With the aim to take on giants like Apple Google and others, Chinese internet and technology conglomerate LeEco has entered the US with a slew of products that include smartphones, TVs, smart bikes, a video streaming service, concepts for virtual reality headsets and self-driving cars.At the "Ignite the Eco World" event here on Wednesday, LeEco unveiled an open, integrated internet ecosystem that involves platform, content, apps and connected smart devices. The 55-inch TV costs $899 with 12-month free EcoPass membership and the 65-inch TV costs $1,399 with a 12-month free EcoPass membership.The smartphones and TVs will be available on LeMall .com through a flash sale from November 2.LeEco recently acquired hardware and software businesses of US TV company VIZIO Inc. for $2 billion to strengthen its presence in North America as part of its globalisation strategy.The company also previewed its vision of connected screens that includes smart bikes, virtual reality and self-driving electric vehicles. Last month, LeEco said it had raised $1 billion for its electric car venture.The LeEco Super Bike is an Android smart bike that offers security, connectivity and a smart riding system. The ExploreVR provides a virtual reality experience for games, apps, movies and TV shows.The company also showcased "Le SEE", its self-driving electric vehicle with features such as machine-learning of facial, emotion, system and path recognition.The prototype "Le SEE" car has adjustable seating and a steering wheel that disappears into its dashboard. "LeEco's ecosystem of advanced smart devices runs on its internet and Cloud platform, LeCloud, which is one of the world's largest video cloud networks," the company said.However, media reports said that one of its prototype electric cars was involved in a crash during its drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco.To provide greater value for users, LeEco has created "EcoPass" that brings together high-value benefits including-a two-year warranty for LeEco smartphones and three-years for TVs, 5TB of cloud storage on LeCloud and unlimited storage for photos and videos and unlimited movie viewing on movie viewing service Fandor.With a unique User Planning to User (UP2U) programme, LeEco gives users a voice in how the ecosystem evolves and the opportunity to co-create the experience and the next-generation of LeEco products.

Source: Economic Times October 20, 2016 08:26 UTC