Update: we've now published our in-depth Google TV review
Google's recent announcement of Google TV wasn't exactly met with 'oohs' and 'aahs' but with 'errs' and 'hmms' – mainly because most people didn't quite understand what Google was trying to do with its web-TV mash-up.
Thankfully Google has come up with another twee advert to explain just what Google TV does.
Sony and Intel are partnering with Google on its Android-based platform. Logitech has also got in on the act, offering a remote control cum keyboard to make sure you can do all the lovely things that Google says it can do.
Below are a selection of questions which Google's latest walkthrough tries to answer.
What is Google TV?
Google TV is an amalgamation of three things: TV, DVR recordings and the entire internet.
How can I get Google TV?
It will come pre-installed in some TVs and come in set-top box form.
Is there any added functionality?
Combining the web and TV means you can watch a football match in the corner of your telly (Google showed off a basketball game) then check the stats of the match on the web and in the same screen.
Will I recognise it as a Google product?
It add search functionality to your TV, so you can search for channels and shows and record them.
Can I access the web?
It has a built-in web browser so you can record shows and other content that is found on the web.
Does it give me more things to watch?
"With Google TV, there is always something good on and always interesting content to find." So says Google and who are we to argue?
What about social networking?
You can also combine the likes of Twitter and the TV you are watching to make television viewing a social networking experience.
Is it just about watching TV and shows?
Google TV isn't just about video, either. From your TV you will be able to access Flickr for images, Last.fm for music and even play the likes of Farmville on your telly.
Can I use apps that appear on Market?
Google TV is also all about the apps, so there will be thousands of Android apps available to view and use through your television, all of which will be downloadable from Android Market.
Can I make Google TV my own?
It is also about customisation. Like Google Chrome, you will be able to customise the homepage of your TV, so it is easier to access the content you have recorded.
If you want to see the entire Google TV walkthrough, then take a gander at the video below:
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
bradavon
June 18th 2010
5. I know it has a browser. It clearly says so above. I didn't mention anything about browsers.
There's a difference between BBC iPlayer working through a browser and a dedicated BBC iPlayer App. 3view has a dedicated App, designed specifically for BBC iPlayer. Whereas going to www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/ in a browser isn't guaranteed to work. Flash and Android are still in there infancy.
Android doesn't have a plugin architecture, it has Apps. Chrome supports Extensions but the Android version doesn't. I imagine it'll be a tweaked version.
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techfan
June 18th 2010
4. @bradavon it has a *browser* - what part of that is not clear? Its Googles Chrome, its a free browser you can download it and check it out. If that browser can do it, Google TV can do it.
But with this your TV gets bookmarks (as well as apps) you navigate to the BBC site and bookmark the relevant pages. If you live in the UK the pages will play as normal since its just using your connection, if you are living outside the UK they won't.
*Unless* the BBC for some reason decides to specifically block the Google TV - but I don't see a reason for them to do that, you are not bypassing anything, its just a browser using your existing internet connection, if you are in the UK you are in the UK.
Of course then you have a TV which can accept Android plugins. Someone might write a plugin which can take the subtitles, run them through the google translator, and suddenly you could see Dr. Who with subtitles in Korean, or something.
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bradavon
June 16th 2010
3. I don't see BBC iPlayer mentioned, something 3view will have (along with Sky Player).
p.s - Someone please tell the American sit's InTernet NOT Inernet. Man I hate how yanks cannot pronounce the T in Internet.
It's acceptable to do this in general conversation but just looks sloppy in so a called professional video.
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bradavon
June 16th 2010
2. I hope other TV makers also get in on the act. Sony TVs are expensive and they're not exactly known for decent PVRs.
Android Apps aside this looks very to similar to what is available now on the 3view PVR. Although of course Google is good at getting it's tech out to multiple suppliers.
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awire
June 16th 2010
1. "Logitech has also got in on the act, offering a remote control *** keyboard to make sure you can do all the lovely things that Google says it can do." - lol ***
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