VIDEO: Google Announces Google TV
After weeks, nay months, of rumors, Google today confirmed a partnership with Sony, Intel and Logitech that will see the search giant foray into the TV business in a big way.
At Google I/O this morning, Google announced Google TV, an open source TV project based on a collaboration with Sony, Intel and Logitech. Sony will supply televisions based on Intel Atom CPUs and Logitech is designing remotes and wireless keyboards that will work with the smart TVs. The televisions will run a version of Google's Android OS.
Google is trying to bring the Internet to your living room. It's something that has been done before with widgets and the like but Google wants to do things a little bit differently. With Chrome built in, users will be able to switch from TV or Web and back again really easily. You'll also have the ability to search for shows to find out when they're on and where you can watch them. Google will search your DVR, the channels you have, YouTube and other Websites to find what you're looking for.
Though it sounds like you'll have to buy a new telly to try it out, that's not the case. Google says it's working with Sony and Logitech on a range of device, from TVs to Blu-ray players, to special companion boxes. These will go on sale in the fall from Best Buy stores nationwide. No word on pricing just yet.
Soon after the launch, Google is going to release an SDK so developers can start building applications and distributing them through the Android Market.
Check the video below for a quick preview of what Google TV has to offer.
Who's interested?

It'll be interesting to see how this would work though. It may just be like trying to find something on the Internet now. Just Google it and see what comes up. If that's all it does for you then it's not really bringing anything together. However, if they did collaborate things from all over and have things more conveniently accessible then it would be a major improvement on the way things are done.
[1] www.boxee.tv
Yes, but what percentage of people do you think will go to the extent of setting this up(Even if they could figure it out). I'm not saying that it is difficult, but then again you have to remember how many people lack any technical know-how what so ever. People would pay for this just for the convenience that it represents.
I really don't like the sounds of this if Sony is involved, especially if it should be with broadcast content. Cause once everything gets setup and ready for the public, Sony will probably stick a monkey wrench in the viewing contract that'll require the viewer to pay more for internet TV than Cable or Satellite currently costs.
Just look at how much Sony charges to watch one of their movies online through their viewing service. About $25 a pop which I find is not worth it. You can go out and buy the BlueRay for that price or the DVD for less or better yet, get the BlueRay from NetFlix, then return it or just stream it from NetFlix.
Honestly, youtube on your TV??? I'm sorry, I'll pass on that one for now.
I can do most anything they did by using an ultraportable laptop, HDMI cable, and a good HDTV.
However, I do think Google is ahead of the curve here. Just too far ahead for now.
It will fail if its no less expensive than a custom built HTPC (which are pricey, if you want a decent one) and casual non tech savvy customers will be turned off if whatever they type just gives them search results full of trailers and links displaying "the video has been removed".
The advantages Google has over Boxee, Apple TV and other similar devices is the simple to us UI (you cant get more simple than "googling" your shows). So if they get the price and functionality down the people may love it...
Why don't I just connect my PC to my TV like I already do? Then I don't need to waste money on their hardware.
It'll catch on, as nothing Google does ever fails, I just think it's a tad... odd.
Oh what a wonderful world we live in with creature such as fairy and leprechaun.
Who is going to design the couch? Microsoft? oh no it has to be Apple called iCouch
I think the only reason it took so long for this to happen is because people are no longer "PC Dumb". My parents (55+) finally got hooked on the PC, now it's impossible to get them off!
"Beyond TV user 6yrs"
steve woudlnt like that