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Google TV 101
Before you or your clients try to scoop up what could be the couch potato's best buddy, here are a few things you should know about Google TV.
How is it different? There are several manufacturers selling HDTVs with branded web apps. Panasonic has VIERA Cast, LG has NetCast, Samsung has Samsung Apps, and so on. While all of those offer additional entertainment from Netflix, Pandora, VUDU, YouTube, and more, they are still limited in how and what they display.
That's where Google TV should shine. Using Google Chrome and Adobe Flash Player 10.1, you can access anything on the web and have it be optimized for TV viewing. However, a lot of content will still be app-based. Google says Google TV will come preloaded with apps for Netflix, Twitter, CNBC, Pandora, Napster, NBA Game Time, Amazon Video On Demand and Gallery.
How do you get Google TV? Google TV will feature apps, just like your smartphone. While we should expect Google TV to be built into future TVs, if you want it now, you'll need a box like Logitech's Revue, which will cost $299. Dish also showed a prototype Google TV Box at CEDIA Expo 2010.
When will Google TV be available? Don't jump into the car just yet. Google has not released an "official" start date for Google TV. But the Logitech product is expected to ship by the end of October 2010.
How do you control Google TV? Logitech's Revue does come with its own keyboard, with other accessories available. But you can also use an Android phone or iPhone to control Google TV. These methods also allow voice control. Both could get interesting (or scary!) with multiple phones and viewers. IntoMobile.com had some hands-on time with the Logitech Revue recently. Make sure to check out the video below.
Fling what now? Another unique Google TV feature is "flinging." If you find a killer photo, video or website on your phone and want to share it with everyone, you can "fling" it from your phone to your TV, at the touch of a button.
For more information on Google TV, check out the official Google TV website.
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7 Comments (displayed in order by date/time)
Electronic House is our sister publication, and, yes, we occasionally share content. Be sure to read it on Electronic House, too, lol. Thanks for commenting, you’re feedback is always appreciated.
Since this is CE *Pro* are there any angles that affect us as pros?
Are the coming TVs or the Logitech box controllable by 232 or IP?
Can we backchannel the audio (from the in-tv models) to the AVR for surround? Can we backchannel analog audio for multi-room systems? Video for distribution?
If your’e going to title the article a 101 and put it in a pros trade-rag, at least do pro 101 and and address the issues that the trade pros that read it would care about. We’ll be looking for/expecting the follow up article -Google TV 101 1/2- sometime shortly…
To be fair though, not many people have had hands-on with google tv. The system intricacies will eventually come out. I too look forward to more information about it.
Come on guys. It’s widely known that Sony will also introduce Google TV in select models. In fact, it’ll happen as early as this weekend. This article was written the same day as yours:
If you’re going to share articles from sister publications, at least make sure the info is current. I agree with the other posts as well: this article should be tailored to the CE Professional, with, you know, “a few things we (AS CE PRO’s) might want to know.”
Useless Articles
Thanks for wasting my time Rachel Cericola
I love my Logitech Revue with Google TV. I work at DISH Network so I got mine for $179, which that is not the employee price that is the price for everyone. If your a sports fan it comes in handy, I can watch all my NBA games and then check my fantasy team stats at the same time.
you basically just copied and pasted electronic house article….