Post date: Oct 06, 2010 4:17:20 AM
Google TV is gearing up- unveiling new content partners and features.
USA-COMPANYUS - It comes on the heels of a revamped Apple TV, which focuses on renting content, including network shows at a low price.
Google TV takes a different approach. It uses a set top box to bring the web to the TV. The technology will also be embedded in hardware made by Sony.
Brad Adgate is the Director of Research at Horizon Media.
BRAD ADGATE, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, HORIZON MEDIA, SAYING:
"What Google TV is unique is the fact that it's a search, you know it's a search engine and it's partnering with Sony, Logitech with the remote control and it's going to allow consumers to find videos online as well as on television set-as well as television programming.
New partners include NBC Universal's CNBC, Time Warners's HBO, Amazon's Video on Demand service and Netflix.
The search company also said it is working with news websites including The New York Times and USA Today, as well as Twitter and Pandora to optimize their content for Google TV. And there will be Apps just like on Android powered mobile phones.
Google has yet to sign up the major television networks- but that may be ok - for now.
BRAD ADGATE, DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, HORIZON MEDIA, SAYING:
"I don't think Google off the bat needs all the major networks to sign on and neither does Apple. I think what they need to do is get some content, get consumers into using these devices and watching content online- or television shows online or online content to your tv set whatever convergence comes about, but I think you know once typically what happens is once the eyeballs start migrating and using this content will come. And you know dollars and advertising dollars will flow. "
And while there will be free programming on Google TV- some premium content like HBO will still require subscriptions through cable or satellite providers - keeping consumers connected to pay-tv providers.
Bobbi Rebell, Reuters