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Google TV update touts Google Play and YouTube movie rentals, distinct lack of popcorn
If you own one of Sony's Google TV devices, it's now considerably easier to curl up with a flick or two. Google has just pushed out a 2.1.1 update that allows watching movies rented through Google Play as well as in the browser, with YouTube. The update rollout should grace both Internet TVs and Internet Blu-ray Disc Player owners within the next two days. Logitech Revue viewers aren't quite so well off: Google is only asking them to "stay tuned," which to us is a sign we shouldn't give up Netflix just yet.
Watching Coachella live on YouTube would be a great use for Google TV -- if it worked (Updated)
While waiting for hardware, sped up software and access to the Android Market's apps, early Google TV adopters looking to mix up their internet and TV viewing got some bad news (again) this weekend while trying to access YouTube's live broadcasts of the Coachella music festival. Despite the event being promoted on the official blog, owners of all three Google TV devices reported the stream would not load for them. We couldn't pull it up on our Sony Internet TV, getting only a loading bar and then the black screen shown above even though other YouTube Live broadcasts and many live Flash video streams work without a problem. At this time we haven't heard back from Google on the issue and a check of support forums came up empty too so for now a laptop with an HDMI cable is still the simplest way to get this internet video on your HDTV. Update: The @GoogleTV Twitter account just reported the team is "looking into it" so hopefully there's a chance of resolution before the event is over, we'll keep an eye out. Until then, we're hearing that the stream is working on the Boxee Box (Thanks @EricHulen) so that may be an option as well.
Sony Google TV devices get a modest upgrade with Music Unlimited, WMA playback -- but no Android Market
It's been a few months since all Google TV devices got their first major update and while Logitech's Revue is standing pat, Sony started pushing the 2011030201ON update to its Blu-ray player and Internet TVs this weekend. As seen above it adds access to the new Music Unlimited part of the Qriocity service, the ability to play back WMA files and tweaks WiFi connection stability. That's all well and good, but we're probably not the only ones already looking forward to the next major update with its potential of a performance boost and access to the Android Market (without the need for any soldering irons) however that appears unlikely to arrive this far ahead of Google's I/O conference in May. [Thanks, Andrew, Kyle, Dan and Felipe]
Google TV gets a major update with new Netflix, movable Dual View, Android remote app support
The first update for the Google TV platform since its release is now available on Logitech and Sony devices, and takes major strides towards addressing issues we pointed out in our review. The antiquated Netflix app is now sporting a new HTML5 based UI that resembles the one seen on the PlayStation 3, while Dual View has addressed one of our biggest complaints by allowing users to move and resize the video window at will. Another major upgrade is support for an Android remote app arriving today with iPhone version "coming soon." The last major update should be appreciated by Kevin Bacon stalkers enthusiasts with a new info page for movies that pulls in plenty of relevant information and availability online and from the listings all on one page. Our Sony Google TV had the 218 MB update downloaded and ready to install when we turned it on that also promised a few other updates on top of Google's as seen above. We'll check back in a moment to see how things are working -- no word from Google yet on any progress breaking down the walls networks have put up around their streaming content -- peep the updated Dual View and a video of the new remote control app after the break. Update: The Google TV Remote for Android is now available in the Market, click this link from your Android device to download or snag the QR code after the break.
Sony's Google TVs on sale at Best Buy tomorrow, already hitting stores? (update)
Sony told us that Best Buy wouldn't begin selling its Google TV sets until October 24, but it looks like that wasn't quite right -- sources within the big box retailer tell us the TVs have already arrived, and will be free for all to purchase when an October 17th street date breaks tomorrow morning. The scrap of paper you see above goes on to suggest that full shipments may not actually arrive until the 19th and that the Logitech Revue won't appear until the 20th, but if you're looking to get a nice big NSX without hunting for a Sony Style store, it's definitely worth a shot. That assumes, of course, that you're not planning to wait for our full review. Might we recommend at least a brief glimpse at our early hands-on? Find a pic of Sony's Google TV packaging after the break. Update: Sure enough, we're getting reports that the TVs and Blu-ray player are now on sale, and you can find them ready to ship online at our more coverage link. [Thanks, Jon]
Sony Google TV HDTVs and Blu-ray player launch details revealed
Straight from Sony's Google TV unveiling in New York we finally know the official details of its plans, which include four HDTVs (24-, 32- , 40- and 46-inch) with prices from $599 to $1,399, plus a funky white set-top box with built-in Blu-ray player for $399. The 24-inch is a CCFL backlit LCD, while the larger models all feature edge LED lighting, while all of them feature built in WiFi, so no need to go stringing any new network cables to the living room. The only custom app we're seeing among the preinstalled ones (Netflix, CNBC, Napster, Pandora and more) is a Sony Qriocity VOD player, for more you'll be waiting for the Android Market to hit in early 2011. If you want to be the first on your block with one, hit up the local Sony Style outlet when they go on sale this weekend, or Best Buy stores starting October 24, meanwhile, check the press release after the break for full specs and details. %Gallery-104909%
