Yesterday, Google officially announced Google TV at its annual conference. Similar to Boxee, it will have a stand alone box, direct connection from a computer, or built into a third party’s hardware such as a Sony Blu-Ray player or Sony TV set. Google TV will be an Android based software. Imagine Google Search for your Television. Only time will tell if Google TV stands a chance in front of the currently monopolized industry by Satellite and Cable providers.
Imagine doing a search right onto your TV for your favorite TV show. Instead of browsing through hundreds of channels on a cable or satellite box, you get the results of all possibilities on a single page, including where to watch instantly on the web. Google TV will be a platform that will be on top of current cable or satellite service. It will allow for the replacement of one’s current Guide and use Google to search via all channels generating a summary.
Google’s Chrome Browser will also be included, and it will be running Flash 10.1. This will provide total web access via a TV set.
Initial release of Google TV will run on Android 2.1. It will not support Android Market until an Over The Air (OTA) update is released in 2011 to a higher Android version. Perhaps at that time they would jump over the Android 2.2 Froyo, currently in beginning release stages, and upgrade to the then latest version [rumored being Android 3.0].
Being that Google TV is Android based, potentially it will run Android applications currently available on the Android Market. Applications that require actual phone hardware will, of course, not work. Playing games on your TV – not a new concept to say the least. Just another way Android market has potential to grow, given that current game selection leaves an unsatisfactory feeling. It’s been a long time rumor that Google was foreseen to enter the Gamers arena. I believe that rumor came about the same time as Apple was rumored to be headed that way, putting both giants head to head with the Xbox 360 and PS3, besides each other.
Three major networks have already developed relationship with Google to provide content. Sony, Logitech and Intel are all partners in the development of Google TV. Dish Network also has involvement, but it’s not clear if they are the box developer or will integrate Google TV with their services [or both].
People of Lava, a Swedish company is currently in production of Scandinavia, a line of TV sets operating on Android 1.5, delivered with a wireless keyboard and mouse, made out of natural materials. It will be able to upgrade to a new Android version and the sets are due to be released later in 2010. The rest of the Google TV products are to be available in time for the holiday shopping season.
Running internet content is nothing new. Many have attempted but not one shining star. Apple TV is limiting although has potential. Apple also has the potential of joining the gaming industry. Boxee is too new and not a main stream open source platform [compared to Android]. Some other similar services such as Plex, are either too advanced for the average user, are underfunded, or do not deliver. It will be interesting to see which way Google TV heads. Either succeed with the Television media, or transform into the Gaming industry.
