NPO stops supporting smart TVs from before 2014

The NPO will stop supporting older smart TVs for its app. The NPO app is no longer available for smart TVs older than 2014. The YouTube Flash app for older smart TV models is also no longer available.

The NPO provides an explanation of the end of support on its site. “The developments of the NPO app are not standing still and we strive to make more and more functions available for the smart TV. However, the software of older smart TVs cannot cope with these developments, so the NPO app is no longer available on these TVs.”

The new NPO app is therefore only available for smart TVs from 2014 or later from LG, Panasonic, Philips and Samsung. Owners of the first generations of smart TVs are increasingly faced with app support. For example, Google reports that as of June 26, 2017, the YouTube Flash app will no longer be available on TVs manufactured before 2012. On TVs that were produced in or after 2013, the HTML5 version of the app is available, which will remain supported for the time being.

Both the NPO and Google refer consumers to streaming sticks such as the Chromecast, while Google also advises using a new smart TV model or a game console for its apps. That consumers have no guarantee that apps will remain available on their TVs has been a thorn in the side of the Consumers’ Association for some time. The organization made inquiries with various manufacturers, but they referred them to the app makers. “The evasive attitude of the TV brands is very disappointing,” said the Consumers’ Association. “We would like them to take more responsibility for the long-term operation of all apps installed on the TV at the time of purchase.”