Google TV Launching Today
Early this spring Google briefly announced an exciting creation was in the works, Google TV. Since then, they’ve been making some real progress, and this week, they just set up their new website, blog, and a sneak preview video of the service. Today, they are releasing the first of the devices that will let your TV connect to the service.
New Site With A Groovy Logo
First on the list is their new website, google.com/tv. The site is stylish and goes into depth about all of the features and programs of the new service. Aside from that, Google has paired up with some big names in television broadcasting, such as TNT, TBS, Cartoon Network, NBC, CNN, NBA, and HBO, to offer on-demand shows. Wow, that was a lot of acronyms.
There are really way too many features to talk about them all, but the first one that really stood out to me was something quite innovative. Google is launching an App for both iPhone and Android that will turn your smartphone into a Google TV remote control. While it’s not really an invention, it’s the best thing brought into the world since sliced bread. No more losing the remote in the couch cushions; it’s on your phone!
News and Preview Video
If you want to follow Google TV news, Google has launched its new Google TV Blog on Blogspot. The blog only has one post so far, but you can subscribe to its RSS to stay up to date with all of their team announcements.
To go with the launch of the site and blog, they’ve also released a new video outlining how Android Apps will work with Google TV.
This all sounds really groovy, but what does it take to get all of this? Or, in other words…
What Do I Need To Use Google TV?
Don’t worry, you won’t need to buy a new TV. But, if you are in the market for one, Samsung has developed a line of “smart TVs” that have built-in hardware capable of supporting the Google TV platform. Don’t expect those things to be cheap!
Most people will opt to get the Logitech Revue box, designed specifically for Google TV. The box will connect to your TV via an HDMI port and only requires power and an internet connection to function. We believe it will work over WiFi at this time. The rumors on pricing say that it is going to cost a small chunk of change at around $200-$300.
The devices haven’t gone on sale yet; the Logitech Revue box is scheduled to launch today (10/6/2010) at 3 pm EST. Samsung’s InternetTV series is scheduled for launch on October 12, 2010.
Is This The End Of Cable TV Subscriptions?
Not quite yet, to access the normal “cable television” channels you will still need a cable/satellite connection hooked up to your Google TV box. But it is a start, with just an internet connection you will still have access to Hulu, YouTube, and all other online broadcasting. Google has also said that the service is free AND will be ad-free for the first year, though I’m really curious to see how they will implement ads after that year is up. Now that Google TV is on the market, cable television connections’ days are certainly numbered.
What do you think about Google TV? Do you watch Television, or do you stream all of your shows and movies from the internet? Let us know in the comments below.
8 Comments
groovinJackman
October 6, 2010 at 10:39 am
Interesting. I have some mad money laying around from my birthday and I was thinking of building a multimedia PC. But given the low cost of Google TV, I’m strongly considering getting one of those Logitech boxes. I already watch so much media online–Netflix, Veoh, YouTube. Plus, we’ve got a stinkin’ DVR that costs us $10 a month (which, after a year, is kind of a ripoff). I know there will be some shows that won’t be on demand online or available on Netflix for some time, but I think the tradeoff is worth considering.
MrGroove
October 6, 2010 at 8:42 pm
I’m thinking, if we don’t buy a few of these, how are we going to write a few articles on it!!! Hey I wonder if we can get a few of these free to review! Even better…
grooveDexter
October 6, 2010 at 11:58 am
Just confirmed @ 2:58 pm EST
Logitech Revue Price is $299.99
goLfie
October 6, 2010 at 12:30 pm
Not bad, but you can get it cheaper if you are on Dish.
Dish Network is offering it to subscribers for $179
https://www.dishnetwork.com/googletv/
grooveDexter
October 6, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Nice find! Don’t forget to read the fine print though. If you buy it from Dish for the discounted rate they will charge you an extra $4 per month for their service.
Though it still might be better, it will take 30 months for the $4 to add up to the $121 you saved.
Jon
January 25, 2011 at 9:25 am
Personally I watch my TV more than I stream content from the internet. I am a DISH Network employee and also a subscriber and find it is well worth the $4 integration fee for the Logitech Revue. This adds a bigger and better benefit to the Google TV experience.
actually
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