It appears that the Google TV service is getting that much closer to reality as Google CEO Eric Schmidt is now talking about launch dates, as well as what electronics manufacturers are partnering up with them. It looks like it is going to be a very busy rest of the year for Google as it tries to expand into every market possible.
While details are still thin as to what exactly Google TV will do, Eric Schmidt did say at the IFA consumer electronics trade fair in Berlin recently that the new product would be launching this fall. Thus far all he has said it will do is bring Internet browsing to your TV, and that the service would be free (you know, minus that pesky monthly bill you pay to your service provider … oh, and the cost of the equipment, but other than that, totally free!).
As we reported back in March, Sony is definitely on-board for building the service into its sets, but there was no mention of Intel and Logitech this time around, but we think it’s fairly likely that those two companies are still involved. As for content, Reuters reports that Mr. Schmidt said, “We will work with content providers, but it is very unlikely that we will get into actual content production.” So, it does sound like the service will do more than just browse the Web, but that won’t be revealed as of yet.
Oddly, Samsung is also talking about using a Google product, but it won’t be the Google TV product. According to Bloombergs, Samsung is looking at building Android into some of its sets. Yoon Boo Keun, head of Samsung’s TV business, said, “We will have to see, but we are reviewing.” This only strikes us as odd because it appears to be a fracturing of the TV market just like what is happening with Android/Chrome OS on tablets before Google even officially jumps in. Shouldn’t Google be pushing harder to get its television specific system on to Samsung’s sets as opposed to Android?
Obviously Google just wants to be on television sets, period. With a new Apple TV set for release, Google will want to keep as much money away from them as possible. This quiet war between the two companies is becoming silly as they just seem to be poking at each other all the time as opposed to trying to make the best possible products and experiences for the consumers.
With Google’s music service possibly releasing by Christmas, this is going to be a busy couple of months for the Big G, lets just hope it isn’t over extending itself.
What say you? Are you ready for Google TV?
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