Sony Internet TV, DISH first with Google TV this fall; Adobe, Logitech and others along for the ride
By Richard Lawler 
posted May 20th 2010 1:21PM
posted May 20th 2010 1:21PM
Update: Vic Gundotra just confirmed in a post-keynote press conference that TV will go international next year.
Industry Leaders Announce Open Platform to Bring Web to TV
Google, Intel, Logitech and Sony Join Together to Deliver Google TV Platform
DISH Network, Best Buy, Adobe to Support Bringing Devices to Market
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. (May 20, 2010) – Today at the Google I/O developer conference in San Francisco, leading industry players announced the development of Google TV – an open platform that adds the power of the web to the television viewing experience, ushering in a new category of devices for the living room. Intel, Sony, and Logitech, together with Best Buy, DISH Network and Adobe, joined Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) on stage to announce their support for Google TV.
Over the past decade, the Internet has created unprecedented opportunity for innovation and development across the world, but so far the web has largely been absent from living rooms. With Google TV, consumers will now be able to search and watch an expanded universe of content available from a variety of sources including TV providers, the web, their personal content libraries, and mobile applications.
Search across TV, Web, and Apps
Google TV is based on the Android platform and runs the Google Chrome web browser. Users can access all of their usual TV channels as well as a world of Internet and cloud-based information and applications, including rich Adobe® Flash based content – all from the comfort of their own living room and with the same simplicity as browsing the web. When coupled with the Intel® Atom™ processor CE4100, Intel's latest system-on-a-chip designed specifically for consumer electronics, the new platform will offer home theatre quality A/V performance. Sony and Logitech said they would be delivering products based on the new Intel Atom processor and running Google TV later this year. While Google TV is designed to work with any TV operator, at launch the user experience will be fully optimized when paired with DISH Network.
Google TV expands video choice from the hundreds of channels available today through a pay TV provider to the vast storehouse of video content available through the web and streaming videos. The Google TV experience is complemented by the ability to watch streaming video from leading content platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and YouTube. Google TV will also have the capability to run apps from the Android Market.
To navigate the array of content that will now be available through a single device and on a single screen, Google TV introduces an integrated search experience to help viewers easily find relevant content across over-the-air and pay-TV channel listings, DVR, and the Internet, as well as a picture-in-picture layout to access multiple windows simultaneously. Google TV also features an innovative home screen to help viewers quickly organize their favorite content and personalize their TV viewing experience. Some of these features are only available with advanced integration from DISH Network.
Broad Alliance of Industry Leaders
Eric Schmidt, Google Chairman and CEO said, "We are very proud to be working with this distinguished set of partners, all of whom have decades of experience in hardware, design and retail."
Sony announced plans to introduce "Sony Internet TV," the World's first TV lineup incorporating the Google TV platform. The first models are planned to be introduced in the U.S. market in the Fall of 2010 with the lineup featuring both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive.
Howard Stringer, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Corporation said, "I am delighted to announce the unique alignment of Google's rapidly growing, open source Android platform with Sony's unparalleled expertise in the field of TV design and technology. The addition of 'Sony Internet TV' will further bolster Sony's comprehensive TV lineup and will fuse new levels of enjoyment and interactivity into the TV experience."
Logitech will introduce a companion box that brings Google TV to existing HDTV home entertainment systems, easily integrating with any brand of HDTV and set-top box. The companion box will incorporate Logitech's Harmony® remote control technology, and will include a controller that combines keyboard and remote control capabilities. The company also has plans to introduce an HDTV camera and video chat for Google TV, along with additional choices for navigation and control, including apps to turn a smart phone into an advanced controller for Google TV and home-entertainment systems.
Gerald Quindlen, President and CEO, Logitech said, "We committed to Google TV early on because it aligns with our strategy to support open platforms that enable new immersive experiences in the digital living room. While Google TV enables seamless discovery of all your content, Logitech enables seamless control over how you experience that content. We look forward to continued collaboration with Google and the developer community to create new Google TV experiences that have yet to be imagined."
The Intel Atom CE4100 processor will power both the Logitech and Sony devices. Paul Otellini, Intel President and CEO praised the collaborative effort and said TV as we know it was being "reinvented." "Today marks the next step in the evolution of TV to Smart TV. TV's are becoming smarter as a result of the microprocessor and the Internet. Traditional TV programming will be merged seamlessly with the infinite amount of content on the Internet to enable every viewer to determine what they want to watch, when they want it. This is Moore's Law transforming television, powered by the performance of Intel microprocessors."
DISH Network has been a key partner with Google on advanced integration development for Google TV. The two partners began a joint trial over a year ago with more than 400 DISH Network and Google beta users. Based on the continuous feedback from the trial, Google and DISH Network have built the optimized Google TV experience that seamlessly integrates traditional TV, DVR and web content.
Charlie Ergen, Chairman, President and CEO of DISH Network, said, "Google TV marks the next evolution in television, and we are excited to be the first to partner with Google to bring this experience to our customers. Only DISH Network Google TV customers will be able to enjoy a unified search across TV, DVR and web; easily find related content; and manage their entire TV viewing experience. Additionally, the advanced integration will allow developers to create new and exciting applications to enrich the TV viewing experience."
Best Buy will bring their retail experience and consumer expertise to the project, with Google TV devices being sold at Best Buy locations nationwide later this year. "Every day, our 180,000 Blue Shirt store employees and Geek Squad Agents work with our customers to get them the best home theater experience possible", said Brian Dunn, CEO Best Buy, "We are thrilled about the new and exciting experiences smart TVs, like Google TV, provide to our customers – and we are looking forward to showcasing those experiences in our store and ensuring customers get connected to all the products and services that bring those experiences to life."
Finally, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 will be integrated directly into the Google Chrome browser on Google TV, enabling viewers to experience tens of millions of web pages with rich Flash content including games, animations, applications, videos, audio and more. Shantanu Narayen, President and CEO, Adobe said, "An open web ecosystem offers endless opportunities for creativity and innovation. Flash Player 10.1 extends the advantages of full web browsing and consistent, rich experiences to smartphones, tablets, netbooks and Internet-connected TVs. We're thrilled to be part of the Google TV initiative with other industry leaders who share a common vision of enabling access to the best web experiences possible."
Opportunity for Developers
The demonstration at I/O highlighted the unique opportunity developers have to help shape the future of Google TV. Today Google announced that they would soon release a set of TV specific APIs for web applications, encouraging web developers to begin building unique web applications for use on television sets. Later this year Google will also release an updated Android SDK, which will support applications built for Google TV.
Google also plans to open source the Google TV platform to help spur innovation in the industry and so that other developers can benefit from the project. The long term goal is to collaborate with the entire developer community to help drive entertainment in the living room forward and to introduce the next generation of TV-watching experience.
For more information about the project visit google.com/tv.
About Google
Founded in 1998 by Stanford Ph.D. students Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Google's targeted advertising program provides businesses of all sizes with measurable results, while enhancing the overall web experience for users. Google is headquartered in Silicon Valley with offices throughout the Americas, Europe and Asia.
About Intel
Intel (NASDAQ: INTC) is a world leader in computing innovation. The company designs and builds the essential technologies that serve as the foundation for the world's computing devices. Additional information about Intel is available at www.intel.com/pressroom and blogs.intel.com.
About Logitech
Logitech is a world leader in products that connect people to the digital experiences they care about. Spanning multiple computing, communication and entertainment platforms, Logitech's combined hardware and software enable or enhance digital navigation, music and video entertainment, gaming, social networking, audio and video communication over the Internet, video security and home-entertainment control. Founded in 1981, Logitech International is a Swiss public company listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (LOGN) and on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (LOGI).
About Sony
Sony Corporation is a leading manufacturer of audio, video, game, communications, key device and information technology products for the consumer and professional markets. With its music, pictures, computer entertainment and on-line businesses, Sony is uniquely positioned to be the leading electronics and entertainment company in the world. Sony recorded consolidated annual sales of approximately $78 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2010. Sony Global Web Site: http://www.sony.net/
SONY TO INTRODUCE 'SONY INTERNET TV'
World's First TV Incorporating 'Google TV' Platform, Delivering Unprecedented TV-Internet Integration
Sony Corporation (hereafter "Sony") today announced the launch of "Sony Internet TV," the world's first TV to be based on the "Google TV" platform announced by Google Inc. (hereafter "Google"), Sony, Intel Corporation and Logitech today at Google I/O in San Francisco. "Sony Internet TV " combines the future growth potential and accessibility of the Android-based open Google TV platform with Sony's industry-leading expertise from product development to marketing. "Sony Internet TV" is scheduled to first launch in the U.S. in the Fall of 2010, with the lineup featuring both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive.
As part of its ongoing efforts to introduce new business categories, Sony has proceeded to develop an "Evolving" TV that delivers new viewing styles exceeding conventional preconceptions, expandability through application downloads and other compelling features such as seamless operability and multitasking. "Sony Internet TV" realizes this vision, and is a new generation of TV that not only offers new forms of TV enjoyment through unprecedented Internet integration, but is also able to "evolve" through the download of applications. By leveraging the flexibility and growth potential of Google TV platform, Sony will be able to provide consumers with easy access to a range of rich and attractive content.
SONY AND GOOGLE ESTABLISH STRATEGIC ALLIANCE TO DELIVER COMPELLING NEW CLOUD-BASED PRODUCTS AND SERVICES WITH THE ANDROID PLATFORM
Tokyo, Japan and Mountain View, Calif. (May 20, 2010) – Sony Corporation (NYSE:SNE) and Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) today announced an alliance to provide a range of new and rich entertainment experiences that combine Google's open-source Android OS platform with Sony's expertise in technology and product design. The two companies are exploring the joint development of compelling new Android-based hardware products for the home, mobile and personal product categories
Through this alliance, Sony aims to leverage the stability, future growth potential and open-source accessibility of Google's Android platform to further optimize its product development processes while also providing consumers with an open, expansive and evolving user experience.
The alliance will enable Google to draw on Sony's cutting-edge technologies, renowned engineering quality, groundbreaking design and diverse product and content portfolio to gain a comprehensive platform from which to drive the adoption of its Android OS across the CE industry.
"The combination of Sony's industry-leading product design, engineering and development expertise with the flexibility and growth potential of Google's innovative, open-source Android platform will provide consumers with a world of new and exciting Internet user experiences. Through this alliance, Sony will deliver new levels of connectivity and Internet integration across our range of assets and product categories," said Howard Stringer, Chairman, President and CEO, Sony Corporation.
"We believe that open systems lead to more innovation, value and choice for consumers, which is why we are so proud to work with Sony to bring the power of the Android platform to more consumers around the world," said Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google Inc.
As the first step in this collaboration, Sony will introduce "Sony Internet TV," the world's first TV to incorporate the "Google TV" platform. Through an easy-to-use interface, consumers will be able to search and access content from their TVs and across the Internet – a rich Internet experience on consumers' TVs. "Sony Internet TV" is scheduled to first launch in the U.S. the Fall of 2010 with the lineup featuring both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive.
Google and DISH Network Collaborate to Develop Integrated Multichannel TV and Web Platform
Enhanced Integration with Google TV Available to DISH Network Customers This Fall
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. and ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 20 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Google and DISH Network L.L.C., America's fastest-growing pay-TV provider, today unveiled the launch of Google TV, an open platform that seamlessly integrates multichannel television with rich web media content. This technology brings the full power of the Internet to the television viewing experience.
Google TV merges traditional TV programming with the wide amount of content on the web, allowing viewers unprecedented access, control, and flexibility over all forms of digital content. DISH Network subscribers using Google TV can simultaneously search for content across DISH Network, the Internet and their DVRs. They can overlay online content related to television shows, movies, actors and more; and also hyperlink web content back to multichannel TV.
"DISH Network has enjoyed a strong partnership with Google for many years, built on a common foundation of innovative thinking and risk-taking," said Charlie Ergen, Chairman, President and CEO of DISH Network. "DISH Network's integration of Google TV marks the next evolution in television, and DISH Network customers will be able to enjoy the best of TV and the web in one platform using their existing HD DVR receivers and a Google TV device."
"We are excited to bring the web to television and enable developers to innovate on the Google TV platform," said Eric Schmidt, Chairman and CEO, Google. "With DISH Network's contributions, Google TV delivers a richer user experience and a compelling product for consumers."
The DISH Network Google TV integration is the outcome of a joint development process between the two companies. The companies began their collaborative trial over a year ago by beta testing the technology with more than 400 DISH Network and Google users. Based on continuous feedback from the trial, Google and DISH Network built the Google TV experience that seamlessly integrates traditional TV programming with rich web content.
Google and DISH Network plan to make the optimized Google TV experience available to customers later this fall. DISH Network will integrate the software to enable this advanced integration on all HD DVR receivers. Users can then simply connect their Google TV devices to their DISH Network receivers via HDMI. For more information, visit www.dish.com/googleTV .
What's the odds that they slap it on PS3?
@jasbur
Not a chance. Google TV is not an app, but an android powered OS. Android = Linux. PS3 + Linux = No No.
@jasbur That's will make my PS3 100x more useful before GT5 (if it ever) releases.
@deficitism Hey, may be that's why they kill the "Install other OS" feature. You know, I am just dreaming out loud.
@jasbur Initially, that was my question exactly. But there's a lot of difficulty in that:
1) The PS3 doesn't run Android, and even if it could via virtualization, it doesn't have enough RAM
2) There's still the problem of how to get TV to the PS3, since the PS3 doesn't have coax inputs or a CableCARD slot
The funny thing is that at the end of the day, Google TV is just another set top box, and its one that doesn't play games. The IR blaster stuff sounds crude and messy. Oh, and the devices that are sold separately will probably cost as much as a game console or more.
The exception is the DISH device - coincidentally the one with no release date /facepalm. DISH has had fantastic demos that have never seen store shelves - just as MS about their CableCARD play. If Google could get more providers (Comcast, TWC, etc.) aboard, that would be great. Speaking of which, that may be the best distribution model for GTV: make the devices available as through providers as regular cable box replacements.
@jasbur Can I get rid of Comcast yet?
@ANDZT so what it runs Android? Comments like "its finally here" - come on. Boxee can do this, AppleTV can to some extend do this, my computer connected to my TV can do this.
and NO my TV does not control me because I have DVR
@jasbur
I hope it does. Android runs on linux, and linux is can be ported to anything. If Sony want's it on the ps3, it will put it on the ps3.
@jasbur "What's the odds that they slap it on PS3?"
Alas, the chip on this thing can play back TWO full HD streams at the same time - I doubt the consols can do that.
Google is becoming the next microsoft, moving into more and more markets for which they don't belong. Web browser, phone, OS, TV... there is no limit to what markets google thinks they can take over.
@enjourni And be successful in them.
@ToniCipriani
i honestly dont see this being a huge success. its been tried by many, and it just doesnt go over with the avg joe.
@enjourni
Buzz: Google is the next Apple, Apple is (or already to some) the next MS.
And don't worry, Oracle is just starting up (from the Sun purchase).
@enjourni
Except Google does things like buy a codec for millions and then give it to open source to help remove the licensing everyone including MS and Apple are going to have to pay for H.264.
Google is not a stagnant closed minded company like some.
@treats look at it this way, you already paid for it through adsense and your personal data.
@ToniCipriani that's debatable. We can't see into the future. Yet.
2020: Google FutureLook: Now everyone can look into the future... for free!
@Microdot I was merely referring to the "unrelated markets".
@recharged95
no Apple will always be Apple.
One company, One OS, One Hardware Manufacturer. Take it or leave it.
google is the new Microsoft.
One company, One OS, Multiple Manufacturers. On top of that parading around with the "open" flag.
Yawn. Maybe there's something I'm missing, but I don't find this all that exciting.
@OldNewOne
I find it confusing. So, does this feature integrated DVR functionality? Because he sort of said "send it to your DVR." And it controls a set-top box with an IR blaster, so it's not a set-top box that can communicate with the MSO.
Sure, the interface is neat, but how on earth do you get TV content into the Google TV, how do you record to a DVR, and how do you get the content out of the DVR (assuming the DVR isn't integrated and it just controls your cable co DVR -- obviously it won't work at all with a Tivo).
Too many questions, Google!
This is going to be awesome but I think it will be too expensive at first.
GoogleTV on PS3 please.....I mean considering they took Linux they could give us SOMETHING decent
I don't find this all too exciting to be honest.
As google itself points out in that video TV is already complicate and frustrating enough...how exactly does adding a box from google simplify things?
Is this gonna replace the my DVR from DirecTV or TWC?
What about Tivo?
To be honest I'm a lil confused as to why this is a big deal. I see it going the way of google Wave. Another google product that exists but no one is exactly sure how to use it effectively.
@TheLondonExchange
I am guessing you didn't watch the developer's conference
@JCreazy I did and agree with the first poster. its really not any easier to use this than a computer hooked up to your tv (it even needs a mouse for many things)
@JCreazy
I also watched it (inappropriately condescend much?), and I agree with TheLondonExchange. They did not explain at all how this integrates into the current TV ecosystem. And they didn't make the case for why this is better than a "one box" approach like Tivo. The interface may be simplistic, but the hardware configuration seems irredeemably confusing--how is that better?
It may just be me, but I don't trust Google with anything. Who knows how they will aggregate this data into their world domination plot? By the time we know it may be too late!
/tinfoilhat
@squ3lch
At least google taking over the world is better than apple or microsoft doing it :x, at least we will be able to customize.
Kinda fun watching Adobe eagerly begging everyone..anyone..., to help keep them relevant in the online space.
@dogcow Did you not hear Vic? People use flash!
@osk Vic was just being nice, while busily replacing everything with VP8 behind the scenes.
@dogcow and i guess all the other subtle jabs at apple were too...
@osk I think Google has put aside the subtle.
Windows 7 Media Center plug-in or Google TV for Windows 7 application please!
I watch hardly any tv and Google TV won't change that. But the Android stuff was just awesome. Like it.
oh god. another excuse to raise the prices of sony's already outlandishly expensive lcds.
Hopefully this will make Apple step up and do something with the Apple TV. If not then I hope Google TV will allow you to install (or have installed) a plex/xbmc-like application so you can view your stored files. I still prefer watching TV via Sky+ HD though, it's got the best interface i've seen so far.
I already get youtube,facebook,twitter,yelp,weather,stream video and photo through comp etc on my tv through verizon fios. and not to mention free on demand shows from nbc,abc and cbs etc.
thanks but i will pass.
this will fail like apple tv failed.
just sayin
Did I hear wrong or did the Sony dude told the Google dude to beat Apple...? XD
Great Android for TV...
Now how about official Android support for Tablets. I would like a Android 2.2 tablet with higher resolution.
It sounds like Google TV will be like a TiVO that lets you choose what ads you watch when it's commercial time.
However, Sony is involved in this first iteration... No thanks.
Okay people, remember that Sony also have contracts with Foxconn, so let's see the "outrage" of foxconn's working condition.
Uh... I've just bought the NX700 today.
copycat koreans (samsung/Lg)...........will follow - and will shout like that they were first...............
Not as cool as I originally thought it was going to be. So it's basically the Internet. On a TV. And you can search for shows and videos.
Not anything that revolutionary, IMO. I was hoping for some sort of partnership with local providers (who would let Google stream their channels) as well as online television channels. But maybe I'm completely misunderstanding it and it does that, too.
@anthonyt The App Market is a nice touch. They said any app that runs on Android that doesn't require the phone can be used on the TV. Theres a lot of apps I can think of already that will be cool to use on the TV.
So its yet another box i need to hook up to my tv. So that i can surf the web on my tv? So i can watch youtube videos on my tv? What is on youtube that is worth watching on your TV. So it'll let me watch netflix on my tv? oh wait my xbox 360 does that already. And hang on, do we have to type into a search box?? with a remote or wireless keyboard? Isn't this WebTv? Didn't that fail.
I like microsoft's idea of 3 screens. Google is trying to merge these screens and people don't normally like this.
i'd be more excited about Dish network in Windows media center. Or Dish networks Tv anywhere stuff coming out.
So...
Will Sony's upcoming 2010 models (ie: HX900) have this built in? Or will we have to wait until next year?
There's a Sony Blu-ray player with it built in?
When will Sony clarify all this?
Why are they using a Macbook Pro instead of a Vaio for the presentation?
@zetasoul
They couldn't afford to buy an overpriced underspeced laptop for the demo? ;)