Google announced overnight at their I/O conference that they're moving into the home theatre market.
Google TV won't be making its way into homes until 2011, but this is a very exciting look at the future of IPTV. Google are not talking about gimmicks designed to quickly sell a few TVs with first-gen 3D features which have no content to test properly. They're talking about removing the gap between your computer and your TV.
Google TV will either integrate into a HDTV or be purchased as a separate box -- you'll have the choice. It will bring the internet to your TV, and you'll be able to control it with a remote, keyboard, or mouse.
It's exactly the sort of technology Ruslan Kogan tested in China recently and gave you a sneak peek at. That technology wasn't Google TV itself, but it showcases the power of this integration. It goes to show that convergence in the home theatre can make for a much more integrated viewing experience -- and thankfully having the power of the web on your TV doesn't require a $200 headset from everyone watching it!
This video Google have released briefly describes Google TV:
Is Google TV something you'd look for when buying a TV? Or are you happy to simply buy an add-on box (much like a PVR) which can plug into any HDTV and give you the same functionality?
- The Kogan team
