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Google TVs pop up in Android Market device listings, still can't download apps
Just days ago, Google snapped up SageTV to bolster its Google TV ecosystem. Now, the team in Mountain View appears to be on its way to making good on its promise to put the Android Market on the platform as well. Those with a Revue or other Google TV system can now see them listed as "other" in their list of My Devices in the Market. Of course, you can't actually download any apps to your Google-fied box just yet, but it's a start, right? Besides, if you're really that anxious for Google to give you access to Market apps, you can just get your hands dirty and do it yourself.
SageTV HTPC software acquired by Google, next stop Google TV?
In what may be an interesting development for the future of Google TV, the folks at Mountain View have purchased SageTV. The HTPC software has been doing its media center thing on multiple platforms since 2002, and according to a note on its homepage the developers "believe our ideas will reach an even larger audience of users worldwide on many different products, platforms and services." While there's no word on exactly what Google has planned, SageTV has long included DVR and placeshifting features that the Google TV product lacks by itself. The bad news for current users is that the store links on SageTV's page have suddenly stopped working, so hopefully you snagged the software already if you're interested. If your main question is "What is SageTV?" check out a demo video created by user jaredduq that is embedded after the break. [Thanks, Jason, screenshot courtesy GeekTonic]
SlingPlayer for Google TV teased on video, beta program opens up soon
We got a hint of Sling's desire to let users catch their video streams directly on TV without a box during CES 2010, and now there's video of the company showing off its SlingPlayer for Connected Devices app on Google TV. We caught a a preview at CES earlier this year, but interested Slingbox owners (SOLO and PRO-HD boxes only, just like the mobile apps) can sign up for the upcoming beta at the link below. We're wondering if this app could be based on Flash, which could allow for easy porting to other embedded TV platforms with Adobe Flash & Air support like Samsung's Smart Hub. Also not lost in the moment is the ability for the Google TV to show some potential, since it desperately needs for the list of things it actually can do well to garner more attention than the list of things it's blocked from doing.
People of Lava invites Android developers to version 2.0 of its app market for TVs
While Google continues to work on an official Android Market for TVs, Sweden's own People of Lava has announced the second version of the app store for its Scandinavia Android TV. With version 2.0 People of Lava is focusing on attracting developers to create apps specifically for the Android 1.5-powered TVs in order to fill its own app marketplace. Like Google, it has opened up a developer site stuffed with information for anyone interested in developing apps for the TVs, which are currently hand built in 42-, 47- and 55-inch sizes with prices starting at €2500 ($3,564). We wish them well, but with that high price developers may have as much trouble finding a wider audience as current Google TV partners have so far.
Logitech Revue price drops to $199 on Amazon
While we wait for the OTA update that will bring Android 3.1 to existing Google TV devices, Logitech's Revue -- check the official blog post linked below for some of the features being added -- has apparently already received its price cut and CrunchGear points out it is currently available for $199 on Amazon. As we noted a couple of weeks ago when the company announced weak sales and a plan to drop the price to $249, getting the price under two bills was probably as important as smoothing out the software experience. Of course, after Google I/O we wonder if anyone interested in Google TV is still jonesing for a launch device (even with the promise of updated software and Android Market access in the future) when something newer and better is likely on the way. After all, you can get Honeycomb on a T-Mobile G1 now, but that doesn't mean you would want to do it.
Google TV shows off new Honeycomb UI, plans for Market, SDK; opens up remote app source code (video)
Google I/O is still ongoing and at the session for teaching developers how to build Android apps for Google TV the team has just shown off a quick peek of the new Honeycomb-based UI that will be released later this year. Shown above you can quickly compare it to the original UI to see how different, and hopefully improved it is. The new icon layout should make getting back to live TV a simpler process, while there's also that large space above for widgets and support for notifications. Developers will be able to run their ADBs on devices later this summer, but prior to that it will have a "Fishtank" program for some devs to take home their internal test units to run apps on now -- no hardware modification necessary. The team also just announced that the source code to the existing Google TV remote app for Android is being open sourced, so anyone who thinks they can do better (it wouldn't be difficult) can have a crack at building their own. Also available is code for the Anymote Protocol it runs on so developers can make tablet or phone apps that integrate with and control the Google TV -- both are linked below. Other features mentioned included support for 3D, and game controllers using Android 3.1's expanded USB compatibility. There were no product announcements before the session ended, and no word on the rumored and expected ARM base for new products, but the project manager confirmed new product announcements "later this year." Google TV will need new product announcements if it's going to receive a boost over other smart TV technology, but the potential of the market and availability of open source code is still providing a tantalizing vision of the promise it's failed to capitalize on so far. Update: The entire presentation is now available on YouTube, check it out after the break as well as an earlier Bootcamp presentation on the same subject. %Gallery-123418%
Dish shows off new three tuner DVRs, multiroom boxes, promises 3D this summer at Team Summit meeting
Over at SatelliteGuys there's a lot of information from last week's Dish Network Team Summit, where it talked about some of the recent developments and made some new product announcements. Some of the new initiatives will let new Dish customers get a free Sling Adapter, 3 months of Blockbuster service free (both go into effect May 18th) while Blockbuster flicks will also be viewable on Dish receivers this summer. Other new developments on the way include 3D channels, with linear channels due this summer and two new set-top boxes in the three tuner XiP 813 and the XiP 110 multiroom extender that streams video from it. If you like to get your satellite on the go, it also showed off a new box called The Tailgater, which is apparently based on King Controls VuCube satellite setup for mobile homes, with will be priced at $349. Check out the post for all the details including hints on the Google TV app stuff that was announced earlier at I/O. [Thanks, J David]
Google TV getting Android 3.1 and Market this summer; Sony, Vizio, Samsung and Logitech onboard
As expected, Google just announced at I/O that the Google TV will be upgraded to Android 3.1 this summer (existing devices will get an OTA upgrade) with access to the Market coming "soon." According to Mike Cleron from the Android Development team, developers will be able to use the vanilla Honeycomb SDK to build apps for Google TV, and also announced hardware partners will include Samsung, Vizio, Logitech and Sony (as seen after the break) -- no word on previously mentioned possibles like Toshiba, Sharp or LG. There were also no details on a switch from Intel to ARM even though we heard whispers of that at CES, we'll check in to the keynote tomorrow to see if there's any more revealed on hardware changes for the platform. Check the liveblog for more info.
Logitech's 'disappointing' Q4 results not helped by poor Revue sales; will cut price to $249
There wasn't much good news for Logitech investors when the company revealed its results for the financial fourth quarter, as it fell far below targets for sales and revenue. Most of the blame went towards weak performance in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, but it also suffered from far lower than expected sales of the Google TV-powered Revue and its accessories, accounting for only $5 million in sales, down from $22 million the quarter before and short of its estimate of $18 million. Beyond fixing its issues overseas, CEO Gerald Quindlen still sees a future where internet connected TVs follow a similar path to smartphones and cited the next generation of Google TV as a major opportunity. Starting in May, the company will cut the price of the Revue to $249 (which is still at least $50 too high) and plans to "re-accelerate" its marketing at "the appropriate time" -- probably sometime after Google I/O and the addition of the Android Market. As for that current hardware, both the Revue and the Sony Google TV products received unspecified "security updates" today, although Qriocity and Music Unlimited access remained offline on our Sony Internet TV unit. So let's do the postmortem and guess what contributed to the low sales more: high prices, a half baked product or ads featuring a hairy-legged TV and Kevin Bacon?
Epix brings its thousands of movies to Google TV; apps for Android, Roku and Playbook on the way
While some video providers are moving away from Google TV, Roku and the Playbook, and Netflix still has yet to officially release its movie streaming app on any Android devices, the Epix channel is going all in. Following its "Big on Any Screen" slogan, it will roll out apps on a slew of devices over the second quarter beyond its current Flash player. The Google TV portal is already up and running as seen above and apps are on the way for "Android tablets and phones from HTC, LG and Motorola" -- we've pinged to see if this will be device exclusive but haven't received a response yet -- the BlackBerry Playbook, Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players and Roku streaming players. Not listed in the press release is anything iOS, but Epix confirmed it is working on an app that is waiting for Apple's approval. Not familiar with the channel? It has over 3,000 movies from Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM plus original programs and live events that is available via your cable or satellite TV provider and launched with an HBO Go-style online component. Verizon FiOS is apparently on deck to help push the new apps, check out the rest of the details in the press release after the break. Update: We've confirmed with Epix the Android app should work on all devices running 2.1 or higher, while the site will also remain available to any other hardware that supports the Flash player.
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.
Switched On: Techonciliation
Each week Ross Rubin contributes Switched On, a column about consumer technology. "Don't throw the past away. You might need it some rainy day." -Peter Allen, from the song "Everything Old Is New Again" During the late '90s and early '00s, the hype bubble grew large about a number of ideas that never reached critical mass. WebTV was going to democratize the Internet, but it devolved into a market niche after being acquired by Microsoft. WiFi providers such as MobileStar and later Cometa Networks hoped to build vast WiFi networks that would compete with cellular plans. Those bubbles popped back in the day, but curiously, companies are now willing to pump some energy back into them. The question is whether they are in any better position to float this time around.
Crackle starts streaming all of its free movies to Roku, PS3, Sony TVs and Blu-ray players
Sony's Crackle has had a more successful life so far than its previous iteration as Grouper, streaming movies, TV shows and shorts to various devices since launching back in '07 and announced today its full library will be streaming to the PS3, Roku boxes, Sony Blu-ray players and Bravia TVs. Expanding full access from just the Google TV (there's also an Android app that currently streams some of the items) it's taking credit as the only provider offering free full length flicks including Ghostbusters, Bad Boys, A Few Good Men and more for free on these platforms. The drawbacks are video that tops out at 480p standard definition and Hulu-style commercial interruptions but if you absolutely must watch Weekend at Bernies II without spending any money it is an option -- at least, as long as the PS3 browser doesn't crash with an out of memory error like it did for us. It did work better on more capable platforms, so check out the full details in the press release after the break.
Ask Engadget HD: All-in-one DVR to replace my HTPC?
As much as we love DIY projects, HTPC owners know that from time to time the "yourself" part can be the most frustrating one when things don't work quite right. That's where our friend Chris finds himself on his current project, and he's looking for a way out: "Last year, I built my latest generation of Windows Media Center HTPCs. They're quad-core beasts w/ SSD OS drives and 1 TB storage drives. 4 GB of RAM, Blu-ray drives, Windows 7, gyro-mouse remote -- the works. I've got 4 total tuners via 2 HD Homeruns connected to 3 separate attic/rooftop antennas. On paper, it all sounds like a dream. The reality is, Windows Media Center has been a nightmare to use and maintenance is a never-ending chore. Codecs, subtitles, driver issues, more codec issues, software glitches, more codec issues, problems with going to/waking up from sleep, poor performance even on these powerful quad-core machines, etc. etc. Needless to say, I'm in the market for a replacement. Here is my small (and what I think is a very reasonable) checklist. At least 2x ATSC tuner that works w/ OTA antennas. I know a lot of people are convinced they can get everything they need from the web, but when there is free HD video being broadcast, and plenty to watch on the dozen or so channels in my area, I feel like it is a very logical request to have my streamer/HTPC box include tuners. DLNA support. It has to be able to fetch/store metadata and cover art. It doesn't have to get carried away with cast/crew photos or anything..just basic cover art, description, runtime, rating, etc. would do. Netflix/Hulu Plus. These are an absolute must, but it'd be nice to do Youtube and a few other basic streaming services if possible. (Continued after the break)
Google TV remote out now for iOS
Google has released its Google TV remote app for iOS, and it's available on the App Store right now. Before you run to pick it up and start flipping channels, however, keep in mind that this is meant only for Google TV-enabled devices, so unless you have the right box on your network already, it's not going to do anything for you. If you do have a Google TV box set up, however, the app will do a whole lot of fun things for you, from switching channels to accessing your favorite shows with voice control and even using the iPhone's screen as an interface to drive the on-screen pointer for Google TV. Good on Google for bringing this app to iOS. [via MacStories]
Google TV Remote app now available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch
After debuting it on the Android platform in December, the Google TV team has finally released a version of the official remote app for iOS. The interface and features appear to be the same with one key difference, currently the iOS version doesn't support sharing web pages from mobile to the screen, but everything else like voice search is here and accounted for. It's good for the team to finally get the long promised app out, but more interesting now is the question of which features will be included in the second generation of Google TV hardware once manufacturers like Vizio, Toshiba and Samsung join the mix, hopefully putting the two handed/keyboard kludginess of the past behind us. Check after the break for the YouTube demo, or just grab the free app via the QR code on the official blog or iTunes.
Logitech Revue gets a Google TV v1.3 update too, WMA support for everyone
Looks like last weekend's Google TV update wasn't a Sony only thing, Logitech Revue units have a new firmware update awaiting them as well. Logitech's support forum indicates it has added WMA playback as well, while also fixing a few bugs including playback of files over 2GB in size from a USB device and incompatibilities with certain hardware. The official Google TV blog also indicates users should experience smoother transitions in the Pandora app, "better integrated" Netflix and CNBC Real Time apps and support for a broader range of Blu-ray discs (probably the Blu-ray player only.) Give it a whirl and let us know of any changes you've noticed, we'll just keep waiting for that Android Market icon to pop up one of these days.
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]
Samsung's Google TV delayed by Intel exclusivity agreement?
Samsung's been waffling on Google TV for quite some time -- prototypes aside -- and now Bloomberg thinks it might know the reason why. According to an anonymous source, Mountain View's been requiring that OEMs use Intel's CE4100 chip in their television products, and as any self-respecting chipmaker might be expected to do, Samsung declined. Now, with Google TV's efforts to break into the living room floundering, the search giant has allegedly lifted the restriction and allowed Samsung to use its own silicon, meaning we'll likely see Google TV running on a certain dual-core ARM in the months to come. Anything to save us from Smart TV, right?
Amazon Prime Instant Video hands-on
Amazon has just turned on its Prime Instant Video service, letting paid Prime subscribers (sorry, students) in the US (sorry, foreigners) stream any of 5,000 movies and TV shows directly to their machines free of charge -- well, free beyond the $79 Primers already pay. Jeff Bezos has confirmed that there will be no extra charge going forward for this service and that Prime itself will not be getting more expensive to pay for all these bits and bytes. Right now the selection is limited, particularly if you already have a Netflix subscription, but we just had to try it out. Click on through for our impressions on a variety of devices.
