Google TV

The United States of America San Francisco on May 19, 2010, 2010 Google I / O conference Google has released its latest product -- Google TV. Google TV is to the Internet and television together, into a new set of family entertainment system. Google TV built-in Chrome browser, can browse all the sites you like, it also means that you can in a large television screen to watch video sites. But it is far more than that, Google TV or a photo browser, a game machine, a music player ... ... Google TV uses the Android 2.1 system, Intel Atom chip, can search and browse mass, network video, still can download various software applications, is expected in 2010 autumn listed.

Google TV built-in Google integration search technology, input simple text can be in the TV program, network, YouTube, subscription video network in search of a video. Because Google TV is based on the open source Android and Chrome production, so it also makes Google TV is an open system, in spite of the existing Android Market application can run on the Google TV, but Google hopes that the developers get API for Google TV big screen and television close integration, the development of more interesting application. Google now with Sony and Logitech created Google TV prototype, is also included with the Blu-ray player and set-top box integration, they will be in the fall in Best Buy begins selling.

Characteristic function

1 in the traditional television in Internet search. And according to the characteristics of TV to optimize our search results, such as the search to the programme and purchasing information will be preferential treatment.

2 can use the picture-in-picture mode while the Internet to watch tv.

3 of our Android mobile phone can be used as a Google TV remote controller.

4. The most important thing is to run the Android application. In 2011 June, GTV Source, Google TV products can appear in the official electronic market Android Market support equipment list. This means that the living room product and interactive content sources and start with.

Problems facing

A list question

1, the user will need to infrared intensifier ( IR Blaster )?

Google TV partners include Intel, Sony, Logitech, but do not include Cablevision, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and other cable providers, this means that the Google TV equipment users still need to infrared intensifier can control cable TV set-top box. No infrared intensifier, Google TV cannot switch cable TV channel and the recording of television programs. It is not clear whether this will affect the Google TV television program search ability.

2, the Internet connection to meet requirements?

Google TV requires an Internet connection, Sony will launch with internet access functions fall TVs and Blu-ray, other manufacturers have introduced with internet access function of TV and DVD player. From theoretic say, Sony TV and DVD player will also integrate Google TV set-top box function. However, even if the TV, DVD player built-in or external running Google TV software of set-top box, users still need internet connection. Users need to use 802.11N wireless technology, can not meet the requirements of TV 802.11G Google.

In 3, lack of parental control function

Because the user can access the Internet through a large screen television, the parental control feature is more important than ever before. Google has never been discussed in the Google TV filter inappropriate content issues. Parents hope to filter objectionable content, convenient locking system, prevent the child to free access to the internet.

In 4, advertisers will have too much control over?

Google said that Google TV can switch between channels or recording of the show. Although Google TV does not automatically complete these operations, however, if does not control the advertisers access rights, the system will perform the operation to make the user feel be rather baffling.

5, can access to the storage device on the other content?

Google TV seamless integration of Internet and television content, users can access including Netflix, YouTube and Flickr, Internet service. Google TV does not seem to provide access to a local content ability. Many people will most photos stored in the PC or a network storage device. The current news show, Google TV can only access to Internet content, although this is not a bad thing, but it is inconvenient to users.

6, can print?

Google TV integration of Internet and television, but did not integrate the computing function. Google never mention Google TV users can save webpage, or through the network printer Internet content. At least, users want to be able to be like the webpage send and store it to the PC.

7, support social function?

Google TV can run many Android applications, the Google TV has higher extensibility, but this does not mean that the user can interact with other users to communicate with each other. Android version of Twitter application in Google TV run on? If you can, users can post and TV programs related to Twitter news? Such as television program broadcast time, channel, and even video pause playback position.

In 8, Google TV equipment how appearance?

Other issues

It is not clear Google TV device, a remote controller and a keyboard appearance, like Google and Logitech do not launch size with D-Link / Boxee similar bulk products, and should adopt a slim design. The keyboard is another concern, other manufacturers also had tried to get the full keyboard" into" the living room, but almost all be frustrated. Google TV equipment configuration complete keyboard do have a point, but when not in use it will be " hidden" where is a big problem. Therefore, the industry of the Google TV device using Android mobile phone as the remote feel very happy, hope that Google TV supports other mobile phone, especially with full keyboard as an input device for mobile phone.