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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%
Google TV demo shows off Dish Network integration, universal search (video)
For those still wavering over the possibility of dropping a few Ben Franklins on something rocking the Google TV logo this fall, maybe the best idea is to get to know this new flavor of Android a bit better. StuffWeLike grabbed video of a Comic-Con 2010 demo that showed off its universal search in a level of detail we hadn't previously seen. Our earlier hands-on with Google TV partner Logitech (also included after the break) focused mostly on its ability to control other devices, but this has a decided emphasis on the user interface and what Google brings to HDTVs, particularly when fully tied in to Dish Network's DVR, and its ability to shift seamlessly from internet to live or recorded TV and back. The second half of the video shifts the focus to the Google Queue, a single menu for DVR recordings and podcasts (video or audio.) The camera's a bit jerky, but there's plenty of info in those menus flashing by including icons for previously announced apps from Netflix and Pandora and an inadvertent cameo from vlogger RayWJ about two and a half minutes in.
Poll: Are you interested in buying Google TV hardware?
The launch of Android in the living room is closing in on us, and with the Chrome to Phone push app going official plus a quick mention by partner Dish Network on its earnings call we're wondering what you're thinking of Google's technology so far. As a mobile platform Android is doing well, and there have already been a few apps demonstrated that could bring some interesting wrinkles on the TV, but this is far from the only competitor in the networked TV market. Of course, last year when we proposed the question before anything was announced, 37% of you were into the idea. Now that we've had some time to let the demonstrations and videos sink in, do you see Google TV in your future?%Poll-51253%
Logitech's 'companion box' gets a name: Revue with Google TV
Sure we've already had our eyes all over Logitech's CE4100-powered Google TV box and given its WiFi controls on iPhone and Nexus One a try, but we didn't know exactly what to look for (or, according to Steve, what we'd probably be avoiding) when it hit stores. That's been put to rest, as the above picture we received reveals we can expect the Logitech Revue with Google TV. Obviously reminiscent of the "with Google" Android branding on handset, the name also ties into its ability to bring together multiple forms of entertainment, we'll see this this fall if slick branding is enough to get buyers and developers behind the return of Web TV.
Ask Engadget HD: What do you think Google TV's 'Dragonpoint' will be?
No home theater how-to this time, instead we'll pose a different question. Thanks to mainstream media "leaks" there's little doubt Google will have something TV related to show off at its I/O 2010 conference tomorrow, but what are you expecting / hoping to see? Let us know what an Intel Atom powered set-top box or smart HDTV running Android might (or at least, should) offer above and beyond your current set-top box, HTPC or other solution. We've got low expectations -- we're pretty sure there will be yet another series of devices capable of streaming Pandora on their way to shelves by this holiday season and really, as long as we can tune into our all-Jan Hammer, all the time customized station that is just fine. Bonus question: Do you think Sony will actually be (the only one) jumping on the platform from the start?
Google, Sony, Intel & Logitech's TV project to be unveiled next month as Dragonpoint?
The conclusion to the sudden flurry of rumors around Sony HDTVs featuring Android, Intel Atom processors and Logitech-designed QWERTY remotes may be near, as Bloomberg Businessweek reports the project will be revealed during Google I/O next month. The latest wrinkle for the supposed product is a name, "Dragonpoint," for the new flavor of Android destined to operate on displays, Blu-ray players and set-top boxes. It's obvious that Google wants search in the living room, Sony needs something to overcome the app (Samsung is back on the list of possible partners) and widget powered competition, and Intel needs a home for its CE4100 chips to show off their power outside of a demonstration for once, but we'll have to wait and see what they've cooked up to know if we need any of that in our next HDTV.
