Since it was announced months ago, Google TV has been a bit of a squishy notion to many of us. On Monday, the search giant unveiled a peek of what Google TV will bring.
“It’s an adventure where TV meets Web, apps, search and the world’s creativity,” Google said on its new site devoted to Google TV. “And before long, anyone will be able to build applications for it.” And in case you’re worried about your hardware, Google promises that, “from the start it will be able to work with any TV.”
Among Google TV’s features:
• Search your TV: “Type in what you want to watch, and we’ll find it for you. Google TV lets you seamlessly search all of the content on your TV, the Web, and apps — then access it with a single click. You can also easily switch between TV and the Web without having to change inputs on your television.”
• The Web is “now a channel”: Using Google’s Chrome Web browser and Adobe Flash 10.1, Google TV “lets you access everything on the Web. Watch your favorite Web videos, view photos, play games, check fantasy scores, chat with friends and do everything else you’re accustomed to doing online. Plus, the world’s best websites are now being perfected for television.”
• “A new world of apps” for the tube: Google TV “will come pre-loaded with apps like Netflix, Twitter, CNBC, Pandora, Napster, NBA Game Time, Amazon Video On Demand and Gallery. Starting early next year, apps from Android Market will work on Google TV as well.”
• Android phones and iPhones can be used as remotes “to control your Google TV in place of a remote control. Use your voice to search, and even use multiple phones to control the same TV.”
Full story: Google TV: The first look at what it’ll really do.