Internet | Google TV takes off

By Anna Malczyk

If you are interested in this topic, take a look at our University of Cape Town Internet Super-User course.

Google really is taking over the world. After conquering the web with Google Search, computers with the Chrome operating system, and our cellphones with Android, the company has set its sights on the 4 billion TV viewers worldwide. Here’s everything you need to know about the newly announced Google TV.

What is Google TV?
Google TV is a software program that allows you to use specialised viewing tools and surf the web directly on your TV. To find something to watch, simply search for it and Google will tell you where it’s available: on one of your existing channels, or somewhere online. Essentially, it’s a big-screen web experience coupled with sophisticated search and a cutting-edge interface – all geared to making it easier and more convenient to watch exactly what you want, when you want.

How does it work?
The Google TV software will be available either through a companion box that is attached to an existing TV set, or will be built directly into the TV. Along with the Google TV launch, Sony announced that it would release an internet TV that integrated the Google TV system. All you need after that is a keyboard (likely to be bundled with the packages) and a home internet connection. You simply plug the box in and navigate to the Google TV interface. From there, you can browse the web, search your TV channels, bookmark your favourite shows and do many other tasks, like set reminders and recordings.

Where can I get it?
Since it’s just been announced, Google TV isn’t on the market yet. Sony’s integrated TV is set to launch in the next few months in the US, and Google has stated that the service should be available internationally in 2011. Whether – and when – it will come to South Africa remains to be seen.

What’s so special about it?
There are already several services that allow you to use the web on your TV set. What makes Google TV so special? There are two main factors. First, Google is renowned for making user friendly, open platforms that standardise the industry, meaning that there will be a lot of interest in making online services Google TV compatible. Second, Google is opening up the platform to Android app developers, who will create custom add-ons, applications and tools for the Google TV system. The result is a truly customisable, useful and cutting edge platform.
Would you swap your old set for a Google TV?

This article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution license.