Logitech's Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!)
By Sean Hollister 
posted May 20th 2010 4:33PM
posted May 20th 2010 4:33PM
Update: Now with video, after the break.
Update 2: Details and specs after the break, too.
When we got to Logitech's demo space, we expected to see a keyboard and mouse. To our surprise, the Logitech product manager pulled out a Nexus One and iPhone. He explained that the companion box has all the technology of Logitech's $400 Harmony 900 remote and extends it to your handset over WiFi. Several scrollable pages of dedicated buttons let that particular iPhone control not only the Google browser but also a Samsung TV, Onkyo receiver and TiVo set top box, and the product manager showed us that there were three additional control schemes (including a touchscreen D-pad, gesture swipe pane and virtual keyboard) that could be activated simply by shaking the phone. Should you not have a more modern smartphone, it won't be your only option by far -- the box will have an optional RF keyboard / touchpad available at launch, and a pair of USB ports in back allow users to connect dongles for 2.4GHz peripherals. In addition to standard Google TV functions, Logitech said the box would come with Logitech's free
The unit itself is based on Intel's CE4100 "Sodaville" Atom processor, with this particular chip operating at 1.2GHz, and the board features 4GB of memory and 802.11n WiFi. In addition to the aforementioned twin USB sockets, the rear I/O panel features wired LAN jack and two IR headers for additional connectivity (the former presumably affording the system direct IP control over DVRs) and has a pair of HDMI 1.3 ports that handle all visual content, with Dolby 5.1 surround sound transferred via either HDMI or S/PDIF out. If your home entertainment setup is entirely wired with HDMI, you'll find the unit allows full digital passthrough; if your sources use any other kind of jack (component, composite, etcetera) you may need a receiver of some sort; reps available couldn't tell us if the box required HDCP to stream content.
Update 3: Logitech just informed us that Vid will actually run at a resolution of 720p.
And when you go to answer a text message on your iphone, everything will shut off and you'll have to go back into the application to turn everything back on.
@legendary1022 Then don't answer it. Jeez, is that so tough? Hit "Close" and the alert goes away and the app continues to run.
holy crap i just had the idea for an android powered media box that was exactly like this 2 weeks ago. Thats really creepy but im glad to see that Google can read my mind and make something this quickly
This is awesome! I cannot wait!!!
How can they control a Tivo and an Xbox360 over HDMI if there's only one HDMI IN port on the box?
@DustoMan
All components into the Onkyo receiver, one common HDMI out of receiver into Logitech device, then one hdmi out to the TV?
I stopped at $400.00. Logitech's gear in this space is VERY expensive, so I think this won't be priced for wide adoption any more than the Harmony line, which is a shame.
So Logitech already has a device like this - but without Google TV and it costs $400. So I'm guessing this new one will be similarly priced. Great job Google. I'm guessing it would take Apple a few months to upgrade Apple TV - which is half the price - to this functionality
@c4rlob
You are guessing Apple TV will be upgraded to control your DVR? And run apps? Guess again. Apple doesn't want you to get your media not from them or one of their partners.
huh?
i like the idea...i dont like the price tag. in the end i can just use my good old remotes to power and control volume
impressive.
FINALLY! Everyone's attempted this but no one could pull it off. Google never fails at kicking ass, so I trust it's going to be right this time.
+5000 internetz awarded to Google.
I'd much rather just have a fully integrated GoogleTV set top box, DVR and all.
@ngsm13
One of the bonuses of being open source is that consumer electronics companies should be able to take this platform in any of a number of directions...including what you are suggesting.
What they have put together so far is a GREAT starting point!
@HereAndNow
Agreed, excellent starting point. I guess I'll be able to live with my fantastic MOXI HD DVR until my dreams come true ;). Especially seeing as I bought it knowing I was investing a little over 2 years into it to make me break even...
Look great. Need pricing!
DO WANT.
Okay, so how much is the Logitech box and when is it coming out?
Plus so much depends on whether Hulu blocks this or not. I suspect they will, in which case this won't be useful to me and I'd rather have a WMC on Boxee box that will work with Hulu.
Also I don't have a receive, all my devices just plug into my TV. So I could only overlay the video on one HDMI input--the Tivo say. I'd rather Google just bought Tivo and got this over with.
Agree this should force both Apple and Tivo to stop sitting on their asses though.
BTW, how long will it be before somebody hacks this to let you record protected content over HDMI? Or is there some reason that wouldn't be doable? Seems like if Google can overlay their UI on top of the video then the video must be unscrambled inside the Google TV box...
What I don't understand, is how the will get TV signals to filter into Android?
How does Android know what is playing on channel X vs Y? Hmm
Promising new technology. The video was hard to watch however...it was hard to get a good feel for it with the depth of field being so shallow with your video. While it looks nice, I think you would be better off keeping it all in focus when you are showing the interaction between device and TV.
Assuming you are using a 5DMII or 7D, by my estimations you might increase the ISO and set the Aperture to allow for deeper focus.
Live Long and Prosper.
So this is basically an elaborate remote control, or can it play my 1080p MKVs too?