Google has unveiled its much awaited Google TV, an open platform that seamlessly integrates multichannel television with rich web media content.

Published: 24 May 2010

Google has unveiled its much awaited Google TV, an open platform that seamlessly integrates multichannel television with rich web media content.

The innovation has been called ‘the biggest improvement to television since colour’. Sony plans to introduce “Sony Internet TV,” the world’s first TV line-up incorporating the Google TV platform. The first models are planned to be introduced in the U.S. market in the Fall of 2010 with the line-up featuring both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive.

Experience

Google TV is based on the Android platform and runs the Google Chrome web browser.

Users can access all of their usual TV channels as well as a world of Internet and cloud-based information and applications, including rich Adobe Flash based content – all from the comfort of their own living room and with the same simplicity as browsing the web, according to Google.

The Google TV experience is complemented by the ability to watch streaming video from leading content platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and YouTube. Google TV will also have the capability to run apps from the Android Market.

“To navigate the array of content that will now be available through a single device and on a single screen, Google TV introduces an integrated search experience to help viewers easily find relevant content across over-the-air and pay-TV channel listings, DVR, and the Internet, as well as a picture-in-picture layout to access multiple windows simultaneously,” stated an official release.

Google TV also features an innovative home screen to help viewers quickly organise their favourite content and personalise their TV viewing experience. Some of these features are only available with advanced integration from DISH Network.

Collaboration

Logitech will introduce a companion box that brings Google TV to existing HDTV home entertainment systems, easily integrating with any brand of HDTV and set-top box. The Intel Atom CE4100 processor will power both the Logitech and Sony devices. Adobe Flash Player 10.1 will be integrated directly into the Google Chrome browser on Google TV.

Google also plans to open source the Google TV platform to help spur innovation in the industry.