HDTV’s these days often pull double-duty. Not only can you use them to watch TV, but many can accept inputs from computers, making your HDTV a computer monitor too. The problem is it’s very hard on the eyes if you try to view an HDTV as close as you normally would a computer monitor. And if you move farther away, you can end up squinting.
A new browser from Kylo.TV, the Kylo Browser, aims to fix this problem…at least for surfing the web. The Kylo Browser is an independent web browser (like Firefox, IE, etc.), except it’s designed specifically for use on HDTV’s. You simply connect your computer to your HDTV, download the browser to your computer (they have Windows and Mac versions) and then open it.
It gives you a slightly different browsing experience than you may be used to. But the idea behind it is to make things bigger, easier to see and easier to use. You can set your preferred homepage, add favorites and generally access the same basic functions found in typical web browsers.
I tested the Kylo Browser on a Mac and a 32 inch HDTV. The interface is slick and well-designed, however like I said, it’s a slightly different browsing experience than you’re used to. For instance, the address and tool bar are located on the bottom of the browser instead of the top. And whenever you want to type something (like a URL), a virtual keyboard opens. This is designed so you can click on the letters of the keyboard…in case you don’t have a physical keyboard. Then again, if you’re using your HDTV as a computer monitor, I’m not sure why you wouldn’t have a keyboard attached in the first place.
Doing general web browsing, say for example searching Google, provides about the same experience as any other web browser. However, you do have the ability to zoom in with the Kylo Browser if the text is too small. And Flash videos or files play fine from all web sites.
But where the Kylo Browser really shines is it’s default homepage. It provides you with a wall of popular web sites, like YouTube, Hulu, ESPN and so on. Just click one of the big icons and you’re there. YouTube in particular stood out on an HDTV, as the Kylo Browser delivers you to the YouTube XL page, rather than the default YouTube homepage.
The bottom line? The Kylo Browser will take some getting used to. I’m guessing people will either love it or hate it right off the bat. But given it’s design and functionality, it is a viable alternative for those who like to browse the web using their HDTV as their computer monitor.
You can download the Kylo Browser for free by clicking here.