Google TV Take Two Launches Next Week with Streamlined Interface, Android Apps

Back in May 2010, Google announced plans to launch "Google TV", a software offering available either in a set-top box or built into TV sets and designed to integrate television with the Web. Google TV officially launched in October of that year, but has so far failed to catch on with consumers.

google tv interface
Addressing the platform's shortcomings, Google today announced that early next week it will launch a major software update intended to significantly improve the functionality of the Google TV software. Among the most notable improvements are a streamlined interface with improved searching capabilities and compatibility with apps through the Android Market.

The interface is now much simpler. The new customizable home screen gets you to your favorite content quickly. And within “all apps” you can see all of your shortcuts, similar to your Android phone or tablet.

...

We are opening up the TV to the creativity of content creators large and small through Android Market. Android developers can now bring existing mobile apps or entirely new ones to TV. Initially, the number of apps won’t be large – apps requiring a touch screen, GPS, or telephony won’t show up – but 50 developers have seeded the Market with cool and useful apps for the TV. We’re excited to see the number of apps grow.

The update will be rolling out to Sony devices early next week, with Logitech's set-top boxes set to receive the update shortly after.

google tv android market
Google's movements in the television space have been closely watched by Apple observers, in part due to Apple's own efforts in the market with the Apple TV, which was relaunched late last year as a set-top box for streaming content. Apple has also been said to be working on its own connected television set, with the most recent report arriving yesterday and indicating that Apple is seeking to launch a Siri-enabled TV by 2013.

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Top Rated Comments

G4DP Avatar
177 months ago
wt* What a rip-off of Apple TV..


Every time when Apple brings something news... than other companies MUST follow -.-.-.-.

I didn't realise you could by television sets with an Apple TV built in. Could you enlighten me as to when this change happened?
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Drumjim85 Avatar
177 months ago
wt* What a rip-off of Apple TV..


Every time when Apple brings something news... than other companies MUST follow -.-.-.-.

It's not a rip off, it's a completely different style of device. Your whole TV setup goes through your google TV device (at least with my logitech one). The interface is at the heart of everything you do. If you search for the Simpsons, it will search your DVR recordings, up coming live episodes, you tube, and so on.
It's a shame the devices and interfaces suck so much it's not worth using. Hopefully this update will help.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
DustinT Avatar
177 months ago
Maybe this will motivate Apple to advance the Apple TV lineup again.
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
840quadra Avatar
177 months ago
Maybe this will motivate Apple to advance the Apple TV lineup again.
I fail to understand why Apple has not opened up Appstore possibilities for the existing Apple TV.

I love my Apple TV, but It is still a crippled device.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
KevinN206 Avatar
177 months ago
Hm, let's see...black background? Check.

The exact same tint of blue for selections with a slight haziness? Check.

Silver fonts for section titles with a grey gradient? Check.
Next thing you know, everyone will be copying Apple for using English.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
thenerdal Avatar
177 months ago
Hm, let's see...black background? Check.

The exact same tint of blue for selections with a slight haziness? Check.

Silver fonts for section titles with a grey gradient? Check.
Do they look the same? That's the question. Answer it please. Do they look the same?

That's like saying a Big mac is the same as a whopper because both have buns, and meat and are served with fries.
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)