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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%
Google TV gets an icon, launch still on schedule for fall according to Dish
If you're following the Google TV Team twitter account, (and of course you are right? They're on the list) you may have noticed a new icon popping up yesterday, which apparently will be the signifier for its new offering going forward. The TV with colored boxes doesn't quite have the charm of Android's (often skateboarding) robot, but whatever, we're more concerned about its potential integration with conventional video sources and what apps we'll see at launch. Speaking of, GTVHub points out Logitech has continued to hype its Revue box with a "Host with the Most" competition offering to move product advocates to NY or LA, while Dish Network mentioned on its recent earnings call that things are on track, with launch "a couple of months away." Good to know.
Monsoon Vulkano all-in-one DVR/placeshifting/media streaming box ready for preorder, ships August 10
Monsoon -- after taking advantage of a few delays since our initial hands-on by adjusting the name and pricing -- is finally ready to show off the followup to its HAVA line of placeshifting media streamers, the Vulkano. Integrating a video processor and local storage into its slim frame, the Vulkano accepts HD video over its analog inputs for recording and live streaming to other devices (PC, Mac, iPhone/iPad, Blackberry and Android players will be available at launch, with a Symbian version on the way) or it can convert recordings locally for them to be downloaded over WiFi or 3G and stored on those devices for offline viewing. Remote scheduling and channel changing functionality (controlling connected set-top boxes via IR blaster) isn't a shocking new feature, but this goes a step further by bringing internet videos to your TV (YouTube, local UPnP devices) Boxee and Popbox style, and other big names like Hulu, Netflix, Google TV, Amazon Yahoo! Widgets and a full HTML browser are promised to show up in firmware updates soon. Believers can hit the site to preorder now, with units ranging from the $279 Vulkano with 8GB of SD card storage, up to a $379 Vulkano Pro with 1TB eSATA HDD included and other sizes planned in between. Check after the break for a press release with more details, and our hands on video from CES. %Gallery-98258%
Rumor: TiVo stock climbs on talk of deal with Apple for new Apple TV
A small post in Barron's noted today that TiVo shares have jumped up about 5% today on rumors that the company's DVR technology may be included in the next iteration of the Apple TV. TiVo's Premiere device has greater functionality than the Apple TV, with the ability to record up to 150 hours of HD video (with the Premiere XL), on-demand video streaming from Netflix, Amazon Video, and YouTube, viewing of photo libraries on TV, and a choice of music and photo streaming services. There has been a lot of speculation as of late that Apple may be poised to make the Apple TV more than just a hobby. With Google TV just around the corner and Google making deals with Sony, Logitech, Intel, and the Dish Network, Apple may be looking for partners to help jump-start a revival in the neglected Apple TV. As noted in Barron's:"Is it true? Who knows?" [via MacDailyNews]
Google is the latest to support the FCC's new IP video gateway
The FCC is currently accepting comments about the replacement for CableCARD and amongst the usual suspects of cable companies, consumer electronics manufactures, and industry groups is a comment by one company that stuck out -- don't worry, we're still going to read the rest. Now obviously with the announcement of Google TV, it makes sense that Google has something to say about how 3rd parties should be able to work with cable and satellite TV providers, but there are plenty of others in the space that don't stick their neck out for consumers. Basically Google puts its support behind the new IP video gateway solution (nicknamed AllVid) that TiVo and Sony originally championed, but goes on to say that the goals of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 have not been achieved and that "parties from all corners of the video space agree that the current navigation device marketplace is wholly inadequate" (hey, Google and Apple do still agree on some things). A specific example given is that while searching the entire internet is something Google can do, searching what's on your provider's video-on-demand isn't. There are a number of steps to go before any of this can become reality, but we'll be following this closely in the hopes that one day our set-top box options are half as compelling as modern smart phones.
YouTube launches Leanback, mobile site gets HTML5 revamp (video)
Looks like YouTube's having quite the day. The site has officially rolled out Leanback, its television-friendly interface first espied during Google TV's big unveiling. The interface works via keyboard arrow keys -- sorry, no option to use the mouse -- letting you scroll through your feeds / recommendations, categories, playback options, and search bar. Videos encompass the entire browser menu and will crank up the HD when available. So far, we're seeing snappy response with navigation, and some utter embarrassment at the (unfortunately accurate) suggestions YouTube is throwing our way. Meanwhile on the handheld front, YouTube's also pushed live a new mobile site. New touted features include a more touch-friendly UI, further incorporation of the main site's elements such as favorites and ratings, and a generally speedier existence. YouTube also promises to work at bringing update parity across its desktop and portable kin, "unlike native apps which are not updated as frequently" (come on, tell us how you really feel, guys). Since the TV season is in a bit of a lull anyway, might as well grab your iPhone, Android device, HTPC remote, laptop, or whatever other screen you have and play catchup with your viral videos. Promotional footage after the break.
Logitech Revue Google TV box hits the FCC
It may not be reaching consumers until sometime this Fall, but Logitech's Google TV companion box, the Revue, has recently landed in a few important hands: the FCC's. Not much in the way of surprises with this one, but we do at least get a glimpse of the device's internals (check out a shot after the break), and the mystery of the FCC label has been solved at last. Of course, if it's information and excitement you're after, you can always check out our hands-on from Google IO.
Logitech Revue gets official: Google TV companion box coming this Fall
Well, lookie here -- Logitech's Revue is official, and it's coming this Fall to make your HDTV even smarter. We knew from day one that Logi had been tapped to produce one of the first Google TV set-top boxes ever, and details on the little guy have been trickling out ever since. Described as a "Google TV companion box," the device is expected to "combine everything on the web, cable and satellite [with] apps, video calling and more." We're told to be patient for specs and further deets, so we suppose we'll do just that. While pouting. [Thanks, Tom]
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.
What is Google TV? (video)
Google's reveal of Google TV wasn't exactly flawless. After technical issues wreaked havoc with the live launch demonstration, many of us found it nearly impossible to focus just as soon as we heard mention of IR blaster control. Fear not, Google has returned with a two and half minute video that breaks it down like we were kindergartners. So grab your blanky and Mr. Tickle, the embedded video is available after the break.
Switched On: Android's shot at TV stardom
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. In the short course of about 18 months, Android has gone from an upstart operating system on a single handset to one of the fastest growing mobile operating systems around to one that's increasingly being used beyond the handset on new devices like slates, smartbooks and now televisions. As fellow Engadget columnist Michael Gartenberg pointed out last week, the idea of putting the web on a TV has been with us for well over a decade with little acceptance. But the content and role of the web has changed dramatically since Sony and Philips launched their first devices based on WebTV's platform. As I mentioned last week, the web has become home for a growing family of mainstream sites upon which we've grown increasingly dependent. It's also become an outpost for both first-run and long-tail video. And the progress of standards such as CSS has improved the display of web sites across browsers and devices. HDTV has quadrupled the resolution of televisions and enabled flicker-free display of text. While few consumers directly connect their PCs to their TVs, several of the former sport HDMI connections, and many of the latter sport VGA connections.
Bonux's Android set-top box is pretty much Google TV lite... really lite (video)
No patience left to wait for Google TV? Tough luck, bubs -- 'cause Bonux's Android set-top box ain't shipping till the year's end, either. Tucked away in a small corner of Computex was the gem you see above: an Android 2.1-based set-top box designed to bring... well, Android to your television. The white mockup box was strictly in place to demonstrate the software, and the inability to find a live internet connection on the floor crushed their desires to demonstrate connected extras. Essentially, this STB would scale a mobile OS up to TV size, which isn't exactly the most elegant of solutions. That said, it does "work," and the idea of using Android to pull in local media and web content may tempt those who aren't willing to deal with the expense and complications of snagging a full-blown HTPC. We were told that the box could play back nearly every major file format known to man, and the HDMI output ensures broad compatibility with practically every HDTV ever sold. When speaking with company representatives at its booth, they asserted that their goal was to shrink the white box down to the size of the black unit sitting beside it, or something barely larger than a deck of cards. If all goes to plan, they should be shipping worldwide by the end of this year, but they stated that it would be awhile before Froyo (Android 2.2) was supported given the intrinsic need for more potent hardware. Speaking of which, they've yet to actually nail down a final processor, and they're still debating whether they'll have WiFi as an option. In the end, consumers should expect "between one and three" variants (including one with an integrated TV tuner, possibly), and a retail starting price of around "$120 to $130." So, found that patience you were looking for yet? Per usual, a video demonstration awaits you after the break. %Gallery-94354%
Steve Jobs on TV: 'no one wants to buy a box'
Well isn't that a breath of fresh air. With no apologies given to its long-standing hobby, Apple CEO Steve Jobs provided a pretty honest and thorough assessment of what's wrong with the TV set-top box market. "No one wants to buy a box -- ask TiVo, ask Roku, ask us... ask Google in a few months" (in the spirit of competition, of course). In Jobs' opinion, "the only way that's going to change is if you tear up the [box], give it a new UI, and get it in front of consumers in a way they're going to want it." Frankly, we're pretty happy how quickly and succinctly he was able to respond in a Q &A session, seems like he's been mulling it over -- and given what we heard about Apple TV's future plans, we're not surprised. All the pertinent quotes, care of our liveblog, after the break.
Sony Internet TV Box revealed by the FCC as Google TV device?
Could the white box splayed atop the FCC workbench above known as the NSZ-GT1 be the first Google TV box from Sony? Sure seems to be: the 25 x 33-cm (9.8 x 13-inch) device is called the "Internet TV Box" in the FCC documents, similar wording to Sony's already announced "Sony Internet TV" with integrated Google TV thingamaservice. The Foxconn-built settop box with 802.11a/b/g/n WiFi radios just cleared the FCC en route to an apparent US launch. The when is the big question -- presumably on or around September 1st, the date that Sony's short-term confidentiality request expires -- that's considered Fall right? A few notable document images after the break.
Entelligence: Hello WebTV part II
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide. In a world of connected screens it's sometimes hard to classify what's what. I mean, what's a PC? We call smartphones "phones," but the reality is they're tiny PCs that go in our pocket. Similarly, the TV has undergone an evolution as well, and now Google is attempting to bring the PC and TV even closer together with the introduction of Google TV. What is it? Well there are three core elements: Android 2.2, the Chrome browser and the Android app marketplace. It's ambitious, but I'm skeptical. I feel like I've heard a lot of this before -- and in fact, I have. By no small coincidence, Android is headed by Andy Rubin, the man who was in charge of a product called WebTV before it was sold to Microsoft. And just as with WebTV, there's a lot of potential in the ideas behind GoogleTV, but I'm not sure Google has nailed it.
Intel mulling WebM hardware acceleration in Atom CE4100 chip
Hey Google, shall we try the other box? Maybe it has hardware acceleration built in for your new WebM video format? Intel's Wilfred Martis has told IDG News that his company is keeping a close eye on Google's new VP8-based format, and should it prove popular enough, hardware acceleration for it will be built into the CE4100 and other Atom chips headed to TVs and overpowered cable boxes in the future: Just like we did with other codecs like MPEG2, H.264 & VC1, if VP8 establishes itself in the Smart TV space, we will add it to our [hardware] decoders. Not exactly astonishing news, as Google TV is still likely to proceed on those chips with WebM getting decoded by software in the mean time, but at least Intel's absenteeism from the WebM hardware partner list can now be explained as simple precaution, rather than some deeper division between the companies.
Sony, Samsung meeting to discuss LCDs, 3DTV, World Cup wagers
Looks like Sony and Samsung are looking to expand on their existing panel partnerships in the face of an expanding market for LCD HDTVs, with executives meeting Monday. Analysts are predicting an expansion of the S-LCD joint venture or Sony agreeing to buy panels and possibly processors from Samsung. Of course, Samsung is still considering the Google TV services just unveiled this week, while South Korean media apparently indicates cooperation on 3DTVs (seriously, lets get a standard on glasses already) is also on the list of topics. Either way, it will likely lead to cheaper HDTVs all around, and that's what we like to hear.
Engadget Podcast 197 - 05.22.2010
Google may not rule the universe quite yet, but it certainly rules the hearts and minds of the Engadget Podcasteers this week, in one way or another. Featuring the world debut of the dramatic musical theater segment Nilay's Niggles.Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul MillerSpecial guests: Chris Ziegler, Ben DrawbaughProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: Valpo Usta - BabyHear the podcast00:02:35 - HTC EVO 4G review00:18:46 - Android 2.2 Froyo: everything you ever wanted to know00:19:22 - Google I/O recap: more web than you can shake a frozen dessert at00:20:30 - Live from the Google I/O 2010 day 2 keynote!00:20:40 - Google adding over-the-air app installation and iTunes streaming to Android00:21:08 - Google claims Froyo has the world's fastest mobile browser00:23:10 - Flash 10.1 for Android beta unveiled: Hulu a no-show, Froyo now a minimum requirement00:38:38 - Google TV: everything you ever wanted to know00:39:30 - Google TV turns on at I/O: runs Android and Flash, partnered with Sony, Logitech, and Intel00:40:09 - Logitech's Google TV companion box includes smartphone apps, we go eyes-on (updated: video!)00:40:30 - Sony Internet TV, DISH first with Google TV this fall; Adobe, Logitech and others along for the ride01:00:45 - Sad Violin01:16:08 - The Engadget Show returns, this Saturday, May 22nd with Sprint's Evo 4G, Adobe CTO Kevin Lynch, and an Engadget editors Q&A!Subscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)LISTEN (OGG)Contact the podcast1-888-ENGADGET or podcast (at) engadget (dot) com.Twitter: @joshuatopolsky @futurepaul @reckless @engadget
Editorial: Engadget on Google TV
Google made a big splash into the home entertainment world yesterday with the announcement of Google TV -- particularly because it's partnered up with some major names like Sony, Intel, Logitech, Best Buy and Dish Network. That's a lot of industry momentum behind a platform that's trying to achieve what many believe to be impossible: marry the television to the internet. Will Google finally be the one to pull it off? To be honest, the Engadget staff is nowhere near agreement on this, so we're just going to let everyone speak for themselves -- read on!
Google TV: everything you ever wanted to know
Google made some waves yesterday when it announced the new Google TV platform, backed by major players like Sony, Logitech, Intel, Dish Network, and Best Buy. Built on Android and featuring the Chrome browser with a full version of Flash Player 10.1, Google TV is supposed to bring "the web to your TV and your TV to the web," in Google's words. It's a lofty goal that many have failed to accomplish, but Google certainly has the money and muscle to pull it off. But hold up: what is Google TV, exactly, and why do all these companies think it's going to revolutionize the way we watch TV? Let's take a quick walk through the platform and see what's what.
