Google TV’s planned fall launch is not news, but given that Google hasn’t said much about its television plans since May, it’s time for a refresher. Here’s a quick rundown of everything to know about Google TV as anticipation grows for the imminent launch of the service:
What is Google TV?
It’s a platform that joins the Internet with traditional television. Google TV shares some traits with TiVo Premiere — search by name for a movie or show, and you’ll find ways to watch on cable or the Web — but Google’s approach to the Internet is more open. Google TV can act as a full Web browser for Flash videos, e-mail and reading, and users can set up home screens for their favorite channels, shows and Web sites.
So it’s not actually a television?
Not necessarily. Just as Android is a platform for smartphones, with hardware partners like Motorola and HTC, Google TV will run televisions and set-top boxes from other manufacturers. So far, Logitech has announced a set-top box called the Revue, and Sony plans to launch a television that integrates Google TV. Any cable box should be able to connect with Google TV devices at launch, but Dish Network HD DVR receivers will be “optimized” for the service, extending universal search to the Dish TV Guide, DVR recordings and on-demand movies.
