Google and Dish Network testing TV search on Android-based set-top boxes

We've definitely heard of a few different Android-based satellite and cable boxes in the past year, but it looks like Google's exploring a real move into living room: the Wall Street Journal reports that El Goog and Dish Network are testing a TV search service on a new box that runs on "elements" of Android. (We're taking that to mean it's a stripped-down version of the OS tailored for a set-top, not some totally crazy remix.) The box features a QWERTY remote, and users can search both Dish content and other services like YouTube, which sounds like the same riff TiVo's trying to pull off with the Premiere. Unfortunately, none of this seems destined to hit consumers anytime soon -- the WSJ also says the trial "is limited to a very small number of Google employees and their families and could be discontinued at any time." Okay, but can we at least get some hands-on pictures first?

[Thanks, Jordan]

[spy323 Posted Mar 9th 2010 1:24AM]

Can't you use an unlocked Nexus one with AT&T?

[SpongeBobPistolPants Posted Mar 9th 2010 9:13AM]

So wait.... they kill the windows media center tuner and start toying with this craziness? bring back the media center tuner!!!

[JerrryAtrick Posted Mar 9th 2010 12:33PM]

Why didn't TiVo ever get mixed in with VoD stuff? Why doesn't TiVo try and tackle something new, like for instance teaming up with the MPAA and try to force the FCC to release the 1st run movies directly to the public, as in the day of! Anyways got any views on this?