Yandex Moves Into the AI-TV Era
Russian tech giant Yandex has unveiled new TV stations powered by artificial intelligence, aiming to replace traditional smart TVs with devices that act as both entertainment hubs and smart home centers.
Smart-TV Is Outdated
Smart TVs are no longer a novelty—they are in nearly every household. But Yandex argues the format is already obsolete, ready to be replaced by AI-driven devices.
The company announced two new AI-TV models built on the YaOS X platform. Its new flagship, the Pro TV Station, features a MiniLED screen, while the more affordable Basic version uses QLED. Despite targeting the premium segment, developers claim the AI-optimized MiniLED technology makes costly OLED panels unnecessary. With the AI Picture Quality feature, color saturation and contrast are optimized in real time.
The Pro model includes more LEDs and local dimming zones, offering peak brightness up to 1,300 nits and a 144Hz refresh rate—features clearly aimed at gamers. Audio is powered by two 30W speakers and a 20W subwoofer.
More Than a TV
The TV station builds on Yandex’s line of smart speakers with the 'Alice' voice assistant, now positioned as a smart home hub. It supports Zigbee for offline device connectivity and can also integrate with Matter and Wi-Fi devices. Video feeds from cameras and sensor readings can be displayed directly on screen, available for all generations of Yandex Stations.
The deeper AI integration allows for full voice control, not only with Yandex-developed apps but also with third-party services such as IVI, VK Video, Wink, and Rutube.
Another breakthrough feature is gaming assistance: 'Alice' can analyze gameplay in real time using Yandex’s Visual Language Model (VLM) multimodal neural network. Players can ask, 'Alice, how do I pass this level?' and receive context-based tips.
The TVs also feature an AI-driven night mode that adjusts brightness and sound depending on the time of day and room lighting.
Market and Export Outlook
Yandex first entered the smart TV market in 2022, gradually expanding its product line to include QLED models and AI-optimized panels. The company says it has now positioned itself as a major player in AI-powered home devices.
Currently, all models are sold only in Russia, but Yandex has confirmed plans to expand abroad, beginning with CIS markets such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Unlike OEM rebranded products, Yandex emphasizes that both development and manufacturing are carried out domestically, ensuring reliability and functionality.
