Google TV: What It Is and Why You Need It

The Evolution of Television: Introducing Google TV

The landscape of television is undergoing a significant transformation. Developments such as Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), Movies On Demand, and streaming services like Netflix and Hulu are redefining how we consume content. Traditional television is evolving into an interactive, on-demand, and portable experience.

Recognizing this shift, Google unveiled Google TV at this year’s Google I/O convention. Google highlights that approximately 4 billion people globally watch television, yet many are not experiencing the modern media experience expected in the digital age.

But what exactly does Google TV entail?

Understanding Google TV’s Functionality

Like any innovative technology, the precise capabilities of Google TV can initially be unclear. Essentially, Google TV aims to seamlessly integrate television and the internet, providing access to online content and videos directly on your television.

Traditionally, watching a television program required adhering to a network’s broadcast schedule. The internet, however, removes this constraint, enabling viewers to watch shows whenever they choose through platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and YouTube.

Google TV extends this freedom by allowing you to enjoy online content on your TV screen, alongside conventional television broadcasts.

Acquiring Google TV

Google is collaborating with manufacturers like Sony and LG to integrate Google TV directly into televisions and Blu-Ray players. These devices will be available for purchase exclusively at Best Buy. Alternatively, if you already own a compatible TV or Blu-Ray player, you can acquire a standalone Google TV box that connects via HDMI.

Importantly, the Google TV service itself will be offered completely free, with costs limited to the hardware purchase.

Future integration with video game consoles, mirroring Netflix’s approach, has also been announced.

Search, Browsing, and Content Discovery

Google TV incorporates a robust search engine, allowing you to quickly locate desired shows without navigating through cumbersome listings and guides. Once found, shows can be added to your home screen, functioning similarly to traditional TV channels.

The platform consolidates content from sources such as Netflix, YouTube, sports websites, and conventional television, presenting everything in a unified location.

A full version of Google’s Chrome browser is also included, enabling internet browsing directly on your TV, alongside access to photos and web applications like Pandora.

The Power of Apps

Android enthusiasts will be pleased to learn that Google TV includes the Android Market, allowing you to download and install Android applications directly onto your television. Furthermore, your Android phone can serve as a remote control, including voice search functionality.

Existing Android applications, such as Google Listen, will be updated to offer enhanced features specifically for Google TV. The inclusion of the Android Market ensures continuous expansion of functionality, mirroring the dynamic nature of Android phones.

Google TV is built upon Android 2.1 and Google Chrome software, with plans to make the software fully open-source in 2011.

Multitasking Capabilities

Multitasking is a key feature, and Google TV delivers. You can simultaneously watch a TV show while browsing the internet using Chrome. The software can also interact with existing hardware, like a DVR, to schedule recordings while you continue watching live television.

Automatic Subtitles and Translation

Leveraging Google’s extensive translation and voice transcription capabilities, Google TV can automatically generate subtitles for content and even translate them into your preferred language, provided Google supports that language.

Release and Availability

Google TV is scheduled for release to customers in the United States this fall, with international expansion planned throughout 2011. The Android Market for Google TV will also launch in 2011.

In Conclusion

The introduction of Google TV represents an exciting advancement, fundamentally reshaping our understanding of television. Its foundation in Android software opens up limitless possibilities for developers, and I anticipate a wealth of new features following the launch of the Google TV Android Market.

Are you enthusiastic about Google TV, or do you harbor concerns about its potential fate, similar to Apple TV? Would you consider purchasing a new TV specifically for Google TV, or would a companion box suffice? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Photo credits: magerleagues, dailylifeofmojo [Broken URL Removed], nDevilTV