Everyone agrees TV is broken. And some of today's biggest companies aim to fix that, from Intel to Apple, and now Google. According to a Wall Street Journal report, the search giant has allegedly approached media companies about licensing content for an upcoming Internet TV service; it'll reportedly resemble the traditional programming model, but give viewers more flexibility in what they watch, and so on. Google has yet to comment.
Basically, Google's service would follow à la carte models set by Netflix and Hulu, only users will get access to conventional channels. The service would be familiar in that it'll give folks what they already watch through a cable box, but everything would be accessed through the Internet. Google has reportedly already demonstrated the service to executives during talks, someone close to the company's plans said.
"There is no guarantee Google will be able to strike licensing deals," WSJ said. "Media companies are happy to license their content, but they generally offer the best prices to the biggest distributors. As newcomers to TV, the Web companies aren't likely to get favorable deals." WSJ cites struggles Intel has had with media companies over its own upcoming service, which has been talked about throughout the year.
Google allegedly sparked conversations more than two years ago, probably during the time that Google TV set top boxes were launching, but was rebuffed. Now that the landscape has changed, media companies are open to negotiating terms, though it's unclear how advanced Google's talks are, especially if it's competing against others such as Apple and Intel. Of its competitors, Google could have the edge on experience, with Google TV and Google Fiber TV under its belt.
"To get decent rates for the service now being contemplated, Google and other companies will almost certainly have to accept the standard programming bundles that cable and satellite operators pay for—packages that include highly popular and less popular channels," WSJ said. That unfortunately suggest Google's service could make people pay for channels they'd never watch. Let's hope the company can swing something that breaks that terrible, terrible mold.
According to people briefed on Google's plans, even if it doesn't differentiate all that much from your typical cable package, a more appealing UI could convince users to switch.

Add magic to your living space with these string lights
String lights add personality and soft light to your living space. Here are some of the best.

Disguise your little one with the help of a themed costume
From roaring lions to hoppy bunnies, costumes speak to every child's unique spirit. And we've collected our favorite options.

The Galaxy S20 Ultra's Space Zoom camera is amazing and a bit creepy
The Galaxy S20 Ultra supports up to 100X zoom, which Samsung calls Space Zoom, but is it any good? Can a phone really product usable photos at 100x zoom? We've got our Galaxy S20 Ultra already so join us to find out!

Solve all of your problems, add the perfect calculator to your life
With the right calculator, everything adds up! Whether you need a basic model or one with more advanced functions, there is a calculator that will meet your functional requirements.