As reported in an earlier blog, Google TV as developed by Sony, Google, Logitech and Intel is an integrated Internet and television experience for the user. With the official roll-out announced, Sony and Logitech will also do the roll-out for their devices.  Users should not expect to have it all at once, but with the gradual introduction, we should see some users migrate to the new system over the next few months.

Google has been working on it for a while and the first announcement came in May 2010. Users will appreciate the upgrade to an improved Android operating system in addition to a Linux – Google Chrome browser which makes it possible to have a completely interactive TV experience by making use of the Internet. With the official launch in October 2010, South Africans have not yet benefitted, but will eventually be included in the new generation of television supporters.

What is Google TV?

Why All the Fuzz about Google TV?

It can be seen as another step by Google to dominate not only the world of searching, but also the mobile and entertainment market. The company must constantly develop new and more revolutionary methods to keep its place amongst the leaders in the digital world, and with Google TV it gets a chance to expand the usage of its Android operating system. The Chrome browser also features strongly allowing for a means to search the Net while also enjoying shows on TV.

Google is not the only player in the game. Netflix, which is a partner in all this, has developed a super app allowing for access to their database of programs and movies.  In addition, even the users of Apple Smart Phones will be able to use their phones as remotes.

Instead of having to choose between browsing the web or watching a TV program, consumers can watch television, do a bit of searching, chat on social media and schedule programs all in front of their television. It is the ideal solution for the attention deficient user who simply cannot sit still and do only one thing at a time.

Easy Control

Users will not have to purchase yet another remote which normally causes more confusion because so many devices already clutter the TV room. With Google TV you simply download their application to your smart phone and then use the phone to double up as remote.  With such users can even apply voice searching for more convenience and interactivity.

Familiar Operating System

Android phone users are already familiar with the operating system. It is light, fast and flexible. Users have access to all the additional apps specifically for the Android and Google TV market which can all be downloaded for free.

Support for Home Network

It works with various media formats including DLNA, MP3, MIDI and WMA amongst the audio formats while AVCHD, MPEG4 and WMV are amongst the video formats supported. In terms of images the normal GIF and JPEG in addition to BMP and PNG are also supported.

Audio-Visual Support

At present full cable and satellite integration is possible and 720P as well as 1080 HD screen resolution is fully supported.

Connection to the Internet

Connectivity can be gained by means of static or dynamic IP. Wi-Fi is supported. It comes with a USB port for addition of photos or videos by means of a memory stick.

Watch Your Favourite YouTube Videos

One can watch YouTube and other Internet video channels as if the television is a computer. Video streaming is supported, adding so much more to the viewing experience than would be possible with normal television or computer.

Listen To the Radio Station of Choice

Users can also listen to their favourite streaming radio collections from Slacker Radio or Pandora. It is even possible to watch music videos on the big screen in the comfort of your lounge.

Star on the Big Screen

With Google TV, one can watch videos from friends, family and even themselves on their big screen.

Locate Entertainment

Decide what you want to watch rather than having to watch what there is. With specific television streaming sites, images of what can be watched and according to category are displayed for easy navigation. It is almost the same as going into a DVD store and selecting exactly what you want to watch and when you want to view such.

Cost Effective TV

Google TV doesn’t involve a monthly contract fee and the viewer can simply use the existing Internet connection as well as the current satellite television subscription service. Updates are free of charge and the apps available for Android are also applicable for the television experience.

Implications for Marketers

Marketers will have a field day with the new media available as more than one hundred television networks are covered internationally. When it comes to the international market, you will be able to reach millions of households. For the South African market, sadly, still not a reality. Marketers can make use of HTML5 to create premier ad campaigns. We are waiting for our turn to reap the benefits, but if it is a hit internationally, South Africans can expect to also become part of the households targeted by marketers.

Google TV Browser

If you have used the web, you will be able to use the browser for Google TV. It is the same as Google Chrome, only in Linux format. This means although there are slight differences that the overall experience will be the same. Flash 10.1 is supported ensuring that even Flash websites will run on the television. If a website can operate correctly when using Chrome as browser, it will also render in the correct manner on the television. Data can be stored and archived by means of cookies in the same way as is done on normal computers when using the Internet.

With all the benefits mentioned, one would expect loud cheering by the public, media and marketers. Unfortunately, Google TV has received mediocre reviews and as such will have to do some more work to get a positive reception internationally.