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Television networks block Google TV from accessing web-based content (update)
You may be able to watch The Office on your Google TV, but perhaps not on demand -- ABC, CBS and NBC are barring Sony and Logitech's web-infused TVs and set-top-boxes from accessing full episodes of streaming video content. The Wall Street Journal reports that all three networks have confirmed the ban, and that Fox hasn't yet reached a decision on whether it will ban Google TV as well. For its part, Google says that it's "ultimately the content owners' choice to restrict their fans from accessing their content on the platform," so don't expect the search company to pitch in, unless it can work out some premium arrangements for all parties involved. This is the part where we'd normally direct you to the simple browser tweak that made Hulu accessible when it pulled the very same stunt, but alas, we're finding Hulu too is once again blocked. Update: Reuters reports that Google is "actively negotiating" with the three networks after all.
Sony considers incorporating Android into more (as yet unnamed) products
At a Google TV press event in Tokyo recently, Sony TV division head Yoshihisa Ishida told reporters that the company is, indeed, "thinking about using Android in more consumer electronics products." Of course, he didn't say exactly which products, although we do have it on good authority that Sony Ericsson has an Android 3.0 mobile gaming platform in the works -- which probably explains why the PlayStation division is on the lookout for Android developers as well. We'd contact Ishida directly, but our sources tell us he is too busy watching re-runs of Friends on Netflix to take the call.
Remote control app for Logitech Revue hits the Android Market
Logitech may have it's own set of accessories for its Revue Google TV box, but the best peripheral may just be that Android phone you already have, which can be turned into a full-fledged remote control with the Logitech Revue app that's just hit the Android Market. Like other similar smartphone remote apps, it will give you both a trackpad and a keyboard in addition to the usual remote control buttons, and it's thankfully free to download. Hit up Android Market to find it right now, or head on past the break if you'd prefer to download it QR code-style.
YouTube Leanback officially launches with Google TV
Now that Google has launched its TV platform, the YouTube interface designed to make browsing those vids similar to watching standard television has officially launched as well. YouTube Leanback is all about fullscreen video playing immediately, so if you bring it up on your Google TV device or just any regular web browser, don't be surprised to be launched immediately into whatever Google might think you're interested in based on previous views, subscriptions and favorites. The only difference we noted from several months ago is that it appears mouse support has been added. Honestly, we're feeling like may Google doesn't know us that well, since our initial experience didn't find many videos we actually wanted to watch among those recommended. There's no easy way to bring up videos you've previously watched or favorited, which, despite a rather effective search menu has us favoring YouTube XL for our ten-foot experience for now. Check out the site for yourself and let us know if you feel the same way.
The Engadget Show returns this Saturday, October 23rd with Windows Phone 7, Aaron Woodman, Google TV devices, and our first Halloween costume contest!
Attention all humans and empathetic robots: The Engadget Show is back in a big way this Saturday, October 23rd at 6:30pm! To get things started, Josh and the gang will be taking a first-hand look at the myriad Windows Phone 7 devices with Microsoft's Aaron Woodman, then we'll be demoing Google TV, and Engadget's own Darren Murph will be joining Josh, Nilay, and Paul on stage, Guinness world record in hand. What's more, we're hosting our first ever Halloween costume contest! There will be giveaways at the show for the best costumes (as voted on by you, the audience), so get to work on your winning masterpiece now! We'll also have the usual random giveaways, but why leave it to chance when you could win stuff with a little creativity and a black turtleneck? There will also be music from Kris Keyser and visuals from noteNdo and plenty of other giveaways at the live show only, so make the trek and join us at The Times Center in person. We have a new ticketing policy, so if you're coming to the live show, be sure to read about it below. If you're geographically incapable of joining us in New York City, just tune into the stream right here on Engadget. The Engadget Show is sponsored by Sprint, and will take place at the Times Center, part of The New York Times Building in the heart of New York City at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues (see map after the break). Tickets are -- as always -- free to anyone who would like to attend, but seating is limited, and tickets will be first come, first served... so get there early! Here's the updated info on our new ticketing policy that you need to know: There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free The event is all ages Ticketing will begin at the Times Center at 2:00PM on Saturday, October 23rd, doors will open for seating at 5:45PM, and the show begins at 6:30PM We now have assigned seating, so the first people to get their tickets -- and the Sprint text-to-win winners (see below) -- will get priority seating. This also means that once you get a ticket, your seat is guaranteed -- you won't have to get back in line to get a good seat. We still had plenty of tickets left over at the last taping, so just because it's 5:00pm and you finally finished Halo: Reach doesn't mean you won't get a seat at the show -- so get your butt up to the Times Center! Ticketing will continue until all tickets are given away You cannot collect tickets for friends or family -- anyone who would like to come must be present to get a ticket Seating capacity in the Times Center is about 340, and once we're full, we're full The venue is located at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York City (map after the break) The show length is around an hour If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com. Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.
Shocker: Google hoping to lure more cable providers to cool Google TV side of the room
Considering all the recent hullabaloo surrounding Google TV, it shouldn't come as a surprise that the Mountain View-based search titan has dreams of growing beyond its current de facto exclusive integration deal with Dish Network. Still, Light Reading reports that "a source whose familiar with those discussions" says Google is pushing the service hard to all cable TV operators. This is further corroborated by an exec with a "top US MSO" who confirmed specifically that talks are underway with Google on how the TV platform could be integrated with cable boxes. While opening up two-way control and surrendering the UI to its perceived over-the-top video-providing enemy could change pay-TV as we know it, the trade-off is Google TV compatibility could give 'em the competitive edge they need. It certainly wouldn't be the first time DVR functionality was touted as a reason to switch. We're definitely down with more options too, but without an acceptable two-way standard, a bit of wheelin' and dealin' by Google could just add more noise to the mess that is the connected TV market. Considering how tru2way failed though and the recent lukewarm FCC CableCARD rule changes, it would seem this is just the reality we live in. But please, Google, feel free to prove us wrong.
Playing Hulu on Google TV is as easy as changing one setting
We know Google mentioned it would be a "good citizen" and allow Hulu to block its browser ID, but that doesn't mean you have to be one too. By default, accessing the website from a Google TV device yields a prompt hoping you'll wait for the two to work out some kind of agreement on Hulu Plus access, but with a Flash enabled browser at the ready, we're sure all you want to do is press play. The fine folks over at GadgetWhore first discovered that by digging deep into the advanced settings of the Chrome browser app and changing the browser ID to "Generic" or any custom string one may prefer, Hulu streams immediately start playing with no problem (users may want to change back to default afterwards to make sure other pages render properly.) That's one benefit of having a "run-of-the-mill" desktop browser integrated into your set-top box, so w while early adopters may only be moments away from discovering the dark side of Google TV, it seems like a few easy browser tweaks may take care of most issues -- let us know if you've run into any others.
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]
The Engadget Show returns next Saturday, October 23rd with Windows Phone 7, Google TV devices, and our first Halloween costume contest! (Updated!)
You asked for it and it's back... The Engadget Show returns to you next Saturday, October 23rd at 6:30pm! To get things started, Josh and the gang will be taking a first-hand look at the myriad Windows Phone 7 devices, we'll be taking an inside look at Google TV, and Engadget's own Darren Murph will be joining Josh, Nilay, and Paul on stage, Guinness world record in hand. What's more, we're ending the night with our first ever Halloween costume contest! Yep, you heard that right and there will be giveaways for the best costumes, so get to work on your winning masterpiece now! We'll also have music from Kris Keyser and visuals from noteNdo and plenty of other giveaways at the live show only, so make the trek and join us at The Times Center in person. We have a new ticketing policy, so if you're coming to the live show, be sure to read about it below. If you're geographically incapable of joining us in New York City, just tune into the stream right here on Engadget. The Engadget Show is sponsored by Sprint, and will take place at the Times Center, part of The New York Times Building in the heart of New York City at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues (see map after the break). Tickets are -- as always -- free to anyone who would like to attend, but seating is limited, and tickets will be first come, first served... so get there early! Here's the updated info on our new ticketing policy that you need to know: There is no admission fee -- tickets are completely free The event is all ages Ticketing will begin at the Times Center at 2:00PM on Saturday, October 23rd, doors will open for seating at 5:45PM, and the show begins at 6:30PM We now have assigned seating, so the first people to get their tickets -- and the Sprint text-to-win winners (see below) -- will get priority seating. This also means that once you get a ticket, your seat is guaranteed -- you won't have to get back in line to get a good seat. Ticketing will continue until all tickets are given away You cannot collect tickets for friends or family -- anyone who would like to come must be present to get a ticket Seating capacity in the Times Center is about 340, and once we're full, we're full The venue is located at 41st St. between 7th and 8th Avenues in New York City (map after the break) The show length is around an hour If you're a member of the media who wishes to attend, please contact us at: engadgetshowmedia [at] engadget [dot] com, and we'll try to accommodate you. All other non-media questions can be sent to: engadgetshow [at] engadget [dot] com. Sprint is offering 50 guaranteed tickets to the Engadget Show taping to the first 50 entrants who text "ENGADGET" to 467467 or enter online! Standard text messaging rates apply. Click for the Official Rules and see how to enter online. Subscribe to the Show: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Show directly in iTunes (M4V). [Zune] Subscribe to the Show directly in the Zune Marketplace (M4V). [RSS M4V] Add the Engadget Show feed (M4V) to your RSS aggregator and have it delivered automatically.
Sony's Internet TV (powered by Google TV) first hands-on! (update: video)
We just laid our unworthy eyes on the new Sony Internet TV powered by Google TV (boy is that a mouthful) and it looks exactly the right sort of modern. We got a quick chance to play with the remote and it definitely appeals to the nerd within us -- it's nice to hold and use, although the optical mouse pad in the upper right corner was pretty wonky on the units we tried. (Sony chalked it up to RF interference, but we'll have to investigate further.) We'll be updating you with some video so stay tuned! Update: The video is up. Plus we've got some thoughts for you to double your pleasure: It's interesting how UI scales between the different TV sizes -- the search bar looks comically large on the larger TV sizes, and just about right on the medium sizes. While you don't have to switch inputs, as Sony and Google are so proud to point out, there is a distinct resolution switch that the TV is undergoing between live TV and the Google TV app UI -- 1080i to 720p would be our guess. Something that could be a real issue for Google TV is the lack of UI consistency. You're dealing with your DVR's UI, the Google TV search and record experience, the Chrome browsing experience, and then whatever UI a particular media browsing app might have (all the ones we tried were vastly different from each other). You can also browse your recorded shows from the Google TV UI or your own DVR's UI, which among other overlapping functionality might prove confusing when it's not being convenient. The picture-in-picture function, which is a simple right click on the right d-pad, is probably going to be a well worn option for Google TV users -- keeping a show going live while looking something up in the browser or in an app is sort of this machine's bread and butter, and it's nicely convenient to access. The Sony keyboard remote feels nice in the hand, but it's pretty unintuitive. Although both of your thumbs rest naturally on the controls up top, you're not supposed to use them at the same time -- you can either arrow around the UI with the left thumb or control the mouse with the finicky optical pad under your right. The two things are totally separate, so you're using the arrows and you accidentally click the right button, you end up selecting whatever's under the mouse cursor and going off in a totally different direction. It's weird, especially since it's supposed to feel like a PS3 controller -- a controller that generally uses both thumb controls together very effectively. Oh, and there are a million tiny buttons for everything, not all of which make a ton of sense in every configuration, and some of which are just totally mysterious -- there's no way you're going to get what the star and Fn buttons do on the first go. %Gallery-104910% %Gallery-104911% %Gallery-104912%
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%
Live from Sony's Google TV event
Things are all set to go down at 5:30EST -- we'll see you then!
Sony's leaked Google TV prices were wrong, says alleged insider
If the discovery of down-to-the-cent leaked prices for Sony's Google TVs sounded too good to be true, you might have been partially right -- the publication that reported that the sets would range from $1,299 to $1,899 has now backed away from those figures. Sony Insider says that though its original prices seemed legit, the website's spooks inside Sony now claim they'll actually cost less when they hit the market, though the screen sizes and model numbers were apparently on the money. We don't really feel inclined to trust the new anonymous sources any more than the original anonymous sources, so we'll just leave it at that so as not to get you excited -- if they're cheaper after all, we'll celebrate, and if not we'll be forewarned.
Sony's Google TV screen sizes and prices leak?
While its controller may have a button layout that only an Atari Jaguar apologist could love (...), Sony's Google TV set itself is still something intriguing, if only because of the missing pieces of the puzzle set to be revealed October 12th. Or now, perhaps, if this Sony Insider leak proves true. According to the site, four models will initially be introduced: NSX-24GT1, NSX-32GT1, NSX-40GT1, and NSX-46GT1 -- which, as you may have surmised, correspond to 24-, 32-, 40-, and 46-inch sets. While no price is known for the littlest of the quartet, the others are reportedly equipped with respective $1299.99, $1499.99, and $1899.99 price tags. The lowest of those three is about $300 more than BRAVIA EX710, the most expensive Sony 32-incher right now. Three Benjamins could also net you the Logitech Revue and the freedom to hook it up to any TV you wanted, so if these prices are true, let's hope there's some wiggle room for the retailer.
Logitech Revue and accessories hands-on! (Update: video of video calling!)
We just got some serious hands-on time with the Logitech Revue Google TV box, and it's all pretty slick, hardware-wise. The Keyboard and Mini Controller are just as well-done as you'd expect from Logitech, and the video calling features worked pretty seamlessly. We also managed to confirm that the Dish Network DVR integration is exclusive to Logitech -- it won't work on Sony Google TV devices, which is totally strange. We're headed back for video and we'll have some more in-depth impressions in a bit, but check out the pretty pictures in the galleries below for now. Update: Dish and Google have both chimed in to clarify the "exclusive" deal. While Dish will exclusively sell Logitech's Google TV hardware, any other devices, including the ones from Sony, will pair with its DVRs in exactly the same way. Fragmentation (apparently) avoided -- for now. Update 2: Okay, we've added some impressions just after the break. We're still trying to figure out exactly what's going on with the whole Dish integration thing, since we can't seem to get a straight answer, but we'll keep digging and let you know. %Gallery-104459% %Gallery-104453% %Gallery-104456%
Google and Hulu in talks about Google TV integration
Not a ton of details on this one, but Logitech's Junien Labrousse just responded to a question about possible Hulu integration in Google TV by saying that while Hulu is now actually blocking the box, Google and Hulu are currently in talks about bringing the service to Google TV -- and, well, that's about it. Missed out on the event? Be sure to check out our liveblog and our coverage of Logitech's complete Google TV lineup.
Logitech Revue with Google TV details: $299; free iOS, Android apps, accessories are extra
Logitech's big Google TV reveal is still ongoing, but the product page is live and allowing for preorders of the $299 package ($179 if you're on Dish Network) set to ship by the end of this month. For all of that dough you'll get the Revue with Google TV box, keyboard with integrated touch and directional pad, an HDMI cable, one IR blaster and a couple of AA batteries just for good measure. Also up for your browsing pleasure are a few screens of the free Logitech Harmony App for iPhone and Android. Other accessories have been announced and are available for preorder as well, a $149 webcam, and the Revue-specific version of the diNovo Mini controller for $129.99 the larger keyboard is available if you need a spare or buy a different brand of Google TV appliance for $99. The Logitech TV Cam, with Carl Zeiss autofocus lens and dual microphones, ties into a Logitech Vid HD app that communicates with other similarly equipped units plus PCs or Macs running the desktop version of the software. Beyond just the mobile apps, Logitech also showed off its own Media Player app that pulls in video from connected hard drives or DLNA sources. Check the gallery for a few pictures of the hardware and after the break for a couple quick video breaking down all the features of the Revue, and demonstrating video calling. A press release full of details is now also available after the break. %Gallery-104437%
Live from the Logitech Google TV event!
It all starts at 3:00PM EST, we'll see you then!
Dish Network prices Logitech's Revue Google TV box at $179 for subscribers
Logitech's Google TV event is just getting started, but Dish Network's page is live and among extolling the virtues of an internet/satellite mashup, it points out Revue will be offered to its subscribers for (the previously rumored and presumably customer survey approved $179. Click over a for a few more pics of the box and its keyboard controller, or just keep an eye on our live blog for more info and what the retail price will be for the Dish-less Android TV fans. [Thanks, Jason]
Sony's Google TV controller outed on ABC's Nightline (video)
Well, this is a bit unexpected. We just happened to catch ABC Nightline's Google TV special, and lo and behold, there's a sneak preview of Sony's Google TV ad blitz... and with it, a never-before-seen controller. Two circular directional pads, a QWERTY keyboard, volume, channel selection, some play / pause buttons... everything you'd need to rock the web and video all at once. That's about all we can say at this point, but man does October 12th look even more painfully far away. Screencaps below, video after the break -- and if you look closely, there's another shot at the Revue keyboard, too. %Gallery-104330%
