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LG may bring Google TVs to Korea, China soon; seeing 'good returns' in the US
While Eric Schmidt's proclamation that "most" new TVs would have Google TV embedded last year didn't come true, LG stated today that it's bringing the platform to more regions soon. The Korea Times reports an unnamed company executive at the KCTA Digital Cable Show stated the platform is yielding good returns, with average sales of 10,000 units per month. He went on to state that LG Electronics would bring Google TVs to Korea later this year -- following the integrated IPTV boxes offered by LG Uplus -- and China after that. Microsoft is apparently ready to follow Google TV's lead with HDMI passthrough and TV overlays, we'll see if it can gain traction at home and overseas before others catch up.
TCL announces MoVo UD 4K television with Google TV coming later this year
Google just announced it will be upgrading Google TV units to Android 4.2 Jelly Bean, and China's TCL has announced it will have the first 4K TV built on the platform. We got a look at TCL's custom-skinned MoVo Google TV platform and 4K TVs separately at CES (pictured above, and in the gallery) so it only makes sense they'll be combining the two. Part of TCL's MoVo customizations include a motion sensor to recognize each user and personalize offerings based on their habits. Called Personal Box Office (PBO) or "Lazy TV" searches the available content and makes a recommendation without the need for a remote or even voice command. The press release indicates it will be available "later this year" although whether that includes a US release like Seiki's 50-inch Ultra HD set remains to be seen. According to the company it's being demonstrated at Google I/O this week, we'll see if we can get some hands-on time tomorrow.
YouTube for Google TV updated with streamlined UI, support for paid subscriptions
Google TV is getting a refreshed YouTube app to go along with its update to the latest versions of Android and Chrome. The video-streaming service now features a sleeker UI, complete with playlists displayed under the video discovery and subscription tabs and larger thumbnails for previewing content. The update also lets you subscribe to a channel with just one click, and it's now easier to share a clip via Google + as well. Other additions include more in-depth playback controls and support for paid subscriptions. Google TV owners can download the update now -- just hit up the source link below.
Google TV officially updated to latest versions of Android and Chrome, faster updates promised going forward
It apparently wasn't big enough to garner a mention earlier today, but Google has now followed up its slew of I/O keynote announcements with the news that it's moving Google TV to the latest versions of Android (that'd be 4.2.2) and Chrome. What's more, it also says that it's "refactored" Google TV so that its OEMs can update their devices to future versions of Android faster than they're currently able to -- in a "matter of weeks rather than months," according to Google. Likewise, Chrome for Google TV will now be on the same six week upgrade cycle as its desktop counterpart going forward, and it'll also now come with support for hardware-based content protection. As for those with existing Google TV devices, though, the company's only saying that they can expect to see updates in the "coming months." We've yet to hear from most Google TV manufacturers themselves yet, but LG has chimed in to say that it will be updating its devices to Jelly Bean sometime in the third quarter of this year. You can get a look at what the update will bring in the video after the break showing off high performance apps enabled by NDK support, and an LG remote control app that has two-handed control for games and updates reflecting the action on-screen. Update: Some have asked what this means for the future of Flash on Google TV. We've confirmed with Google that this does mean the end of Flash on Google TV since it's no longer supported on the newer versions of Android, and the build that was in Google TV was already out of date. The update will bring more enhancements to HTML5 streaming and interactive content -- hopefully the sites some users frequent will expand their technology platforms just as quickly.
ASUS Cube unexpectedly includes (some) AirPlay support out of the box
The début Google TV device from ASUS included several firsts for the platform, but a feature that slipped by our Cube review is the built-in ASUS Movie Player app's AirPlay support. GTVSource noticed it in the YouTube for iPad app and a few others, but in our testing YouTube and Netflix only displayed content via their own AirPlay-like features. We were able to watch videos from within the iOS Photos app (ones we took with the built-in camera) using standard AirPlay, but not still images themselves. Digging into the settings of the Cube reveals options to disable the service or to change the display name that shows up on AirPlay sources. Overall, more doesn't work than does, like AirPlay mirroring from iPads or Macs. That sort of inconsistent compatibility probably isn't enough to push it past downloadable options like Airtight, but it is a welcome out-of-the-box treat that we hope sees improvements over time.%Gallery-187427%
ASUS Cube Google TV review
The past year has been a busy one for Google TV -- in fact, with the big I/O conference right around the corner, we're sitting down to review our fifth such device in the past 12 months. The ASUS Cube naturally does everything one would expect from a Google TV set-top box, but it also has a few tricks of its own, like a mic for voice search and a unique "Cube" main menu interface. At $139, it's priced just above the Vizio Co-Star and far below the Sony NSZ-G57. So how does it stack up? Let's see.%Gallery-186508%
ASUS Qube to launch on April 23rd, says GTV Source, will cost $129 (update: now spelled 'Cube')
Remember that Google TV device ASUS brought out at CES? It could be available later this month. When the ASUS Qube's March 2013 release window passed without fanfare, the folks at GTV Source took note and did some probing -- eventually uncovering an April 23rd launch date. ASUS hasn't made a statement regarding pricing or availability, but the site says the release date and a $129 sticker price were confirmed by the manufacturer. When the streaming box does get here, it'll feature its own shape-themed UI, controllable by either the Qube's own remote, or via any Android device running a companion app. We'll let you know when ASUS makes things official. In the meantime, feel free to check our hands-on to see if it's hip to be square. Update: judging from a Newegg video spotted by AndroidCentral, ASUS has dropped the funny Q. "Cube" will do fine from here on out.
Google TV Remote app for Android gets its first update, with voice search and design tweaks
The official Google TV Remote app for Android has been around since late 2010, but it only just received its first update since launch. So what's changed? Support for voice commands has been extended for compatibility with Voice Search on Google TV 3.0, the old swiping directional circle has been replaced with an easier to use tappable d-pad, the look has changed slightly (check after the break for a screen of the old UI) there's accessibility support, and now the icon is sporting a small microphone. They're all minor tweaks, but after a couple of years, it's nice to see any attention being paid. We'll see if bigger changes for the platform are in store at Google I/O in May. Update: Now that the official app has been updated, third party apps may add similar features, including the popular Able Remote which also added Voice Search.
Google TV's PrimeTime app update welcomes Amazon Prime content
An update to the PrimeTime Android app for Google TV has been released, bringing with it some bug fixes, as well as a "subscription selector" which means Netflix, HBO Go and Amazon Prime content now shows up as free if you're paying for any of those services. Wait, Amazon Prime content, you say? Well yes, we did, as the Amazon Prime Instant Video catalogue has been worked into the new version of the guide and recommendation app. Yet more ways to make sure we're up to date with The Good Wife? Sounds fine to us.
Sony NSZ-GS7 update brings Google TV's newer voice search and YouTube perks
Someone must have declared it Google TV Update Week without telling us: just days after a Vizio Co-Star upgrade, Sony's NSZ-GS7 Internet Player is getting its own tune-up. The Sony update parallels its Vizio counterpart in focusing mostly on the features from the fall 2012 Google TV revamp, including PrimeTime and the updated YouTube app. Viewers pining for Amazon VOD access can also grab its app through Google Play. Sony mostly claims an edge over Vizio through its support for the equally new voice search feature: owners just have to chat with Sony's remote to get things done, instead of leaning on phone or tablet control. However GS7 owners plan to steer their TVs, they'll just need to check for a software update in the days ahead to rejuvenate their set-top boxes.
Vizio Co-Star update brings new Google TV UI, native Amazon and Vudu
Vizio's Co-Star hub is still one of the cheapest points of entry into the Google TV world, so it's comforting to see the set-top box getting an update -- albeit somewhat behind Google's own pace. The previously promised release mostly focuses on giving it the third-generation Google TV interface, including the mini-guide, YouTube pairing and (through a future Android app update) voice-guided search. Viewers on the prowl for more content get a few additional perks through new apps for M-Go and Vudu video streaming, as well as a truly native Amazon Instant Video app. Should Vizio's tiny media center inhabit your living room, you can expect the upgrade to arrive over the air within the next few weeks.
TCL shows off MoVo Google TV box, 'China Star' 110-inch 4K TV
Chinese manufacturer TCL has a rather significant showing at CES 2013, with a number of TVs and TV-related products. We're not sure if we'll be seeing any of these debut in the US, but among them were a 110-inch "China Star" 3D 4K TV that's got a brand tie-in with Iron Man 3, and its MoVo Google TV product. Its Google TV set-top box is powered by the same Marvell Armada 1500 SoC as many others, but features a custom skin and uses facial recognition to provide personalized experiences for every family member. It seemed to run equally to other Google TVs, although we wonder if that custom skin may slow down the pace of future updates. Also on display in the booth are TCL's iCE Screen that debuted last year, and its super thin V101 Blade TV. There's more details on the products in the press release after the break, as well as some in person pics (including the 36+ sq ft China Star and accompanying costumed Iron Man) in the gallery.
More Redbox Instant details revealed at CES; Vizio, LG and Google TV clients coming
The Redbox Instant video streaming service recently let eager users kick down the doors of its beta test, and now the team behind it has stepped out to talk about its unique feature set. While a public launch is still planned for Q1 (just as Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam said last month) we've had a little time to spend with the beta on our own, and saw it running on several devices including iOS / Android and Samsung Blu-ray player in the company's hotel suite. New hardware partners announced during CES are Vizio, Google TV and LG, which should all see apps arrive soon to their assorted platforms. Currently the mobile apps appear to be the most polished, however all ran smoothly and featured a look apart from the other subscription streaming services. Of course, some of that is a result of Redbox offering movies via kiosk rental, VOD rental / purchase or unlimited subscription. While each UI is a bit unique (predictably, the iOS app foregoes any purchase options due to Apple's insistence on a 30 percent cut) one way to keep track of how a particular movie is accessible are via several small icons in the corner of its box art, showing a kiosk for discs, play button for subscriptions, ticket for purchase, and so on. So far Redbox isn't playing in the picture quality wars, at the moment it's video maxes out at 720p and audio is stereo only, although it is looking to upgrade.
Agawi and Marvell team up to bring cloud-based gaming to Android set-top boxes
It's like a match made in heaven. Agawi and Marvell have partnered up to combine a cloud-based gaming platform with the equipment that powers many popular Google TV devices. Together, both companies will offer a white-label Android gaming solution to OEMs, internet and cable providers, game publishers and retailers. As a result, we may see a number of smart TV devices begin cropping up that support Agawi's CloudPlay gaming service. Whether this solution poses a legitimate threat to the console business remains to be seen, but we're going to scour the floor at CES to bring you a demo of the system in action. In the meantime, full PR follows the break.
LG's 55-inch 3D Google TV eyes-on
LG made tentative inroads into the Google TV space last year with only two available sets, but here at CES 2013, the company's announced plans to expand the line to seven additional models. The sets, which range in size from 42 to 60 inches, feature LG's Cinema Screen display at full 1080p resolution with 240Hz refresh rate and are also 3D capable. For input options, consumers will have ports for HDMI (4x) and USB 2.0 (2x) along with wired ethernet (WiFi is also supported). The company's custom Magic Remote has also seen some improvements as the buttons for navigation have all been moved further up, allowing users a more comfortable one-thumb experience. And from the time we spent holding it, it seems that slight change does help enhance overall in-hand comfort. As for new additions to the remote's layout, LG's added in dedicated buttons for voice control and its Prime Time Quick Smart Guide which brings up an overlay of currently airing programs and remaining air time. There's no pricing available at this time, but we do know these sets will hit the market in Q1 of this year. %Gallery-175317%
Hisense XT780 3D Smart TV with Google TV at CES 2013, we go eyes-on
Hisense has barely made the news official, but here at its CES 2013 press event, we were able to glimpse its latest Google TV effort, the XT780 3D Smart TV with Google TV. The sleek set, to be offered in both 65- and 55-inch models, features a 7.9mm bezel and arrives with a chip on its shoulder: it received the CEA Innovations Honoree Award. It's also paired with that same uniquely contoured remote we saw back at IFA. In fact, the dual-sided controller's folded over shape bears a distant similarity to the magazine fold of the Xperia Tablet S. On the remote's back is a full QWERTY keyboard for search queries, but despite its broad layout, you'll likely be thumbing this much as you would a smartphone. Flip it around, and users will be presented with a trackpad that sits between dedicated buttons for Netflix, guide, voice navigation, home button, in addition to an option to toggle 3D. From what we can see on the idle 65-inch set at this presser, the internet connected XT780's homescreen loads up with a shelf on the upper right, playing host to YouTube, Netflix and HiMedia apps, with a list of frequently used applications (all available from Google Play) just below. Taking up space on the screen's lower half is a bar arranged with shortcuts for Home, settings, Chrome browser, Google Play and Search. It's not the freshest innovation to come from Hisense -- for that you'll have to stay tuned to this week's showfloor coverage. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Hisense previews 2013 TV lineup that includes a 110-inch 4K set, Google TV and glasses-free 3D
Hisense gave us a tease of its TV future late last year with reasonably-sized 4K sets. We now know that it's bringing a lot more to CES -- and we do mean a lot. Its 2013 lineup will include the XT900 line, which brings 3D-capable 4K displays to 65-inch, 85-inch and slightly staggering 110-inch sizes. If extreme resolution isn't top on the list, there's still the 55- and 65-inch XT780, which port Hisense's Google TV interface from a set-top box to the set itself. Glasses-free 3D rounds out the previews: while just a concept, the 60-inch GF60XT980 is promising through its combination of face tracking and a 2160p display to avoid the usual 3D eyewear while preserving detail. Unspecified models across the entire mix carry MHL-capable HDMI ports to handle devices like the Roku Streaming Stick. Prices and ship dates will have to wait until closer to release, Hisense says, but many more details (including a snapshot of the XT780) await after the break.
Netgear's NeoTV PRIME with Google TV gets official at CES
We didn't doubt the reality of Netgear's NeoTV PRIME (GTV100) Google TV box after the candid shots of it we saw last month, but as expected, the company has chosen to make it official at CES. In addition to providing access to your favorite on-demand streaming services, just like the standard, PRO and MAX NeoTV models, the PRIME adds all the Google goodies -- live TV, the Chrome browser (Flash supported), Primetime, full access to the Play store and, of course, search. It's also DLNA compatible and, with the pre-installed aVia app, can push media to your TV from USB drives and other storage sources hooked up to the same network, including Android devices. The PRIME is available from today for a cent under $130, making it less than Sony's Google box, and $30 more than Vizio's. Hopefully, a decent dual-sided remote will justify that extra $30 (we didn't like Vizio's attempt), but if you'd rather use your phone or tablet, a remote control app is available for anything running iOS or Android, too. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
ASUS Qube announced at CES: Google TV arrives with on-screen cube interface
While the FCC may have already punctured ASUS' surprise, at least the company's now made it official. ASUS' first Google TV device is coming and will arrive with 50GB of WebStorage cloud space and access to over 100,000 movies and TV shows through Netflix and Amazon Instant Video. It'll arrive with its own "Qube interface," unsurprisingly featuring a three-dimensional tetrahedron that rotates for access to your content. There's also motion-sensing remote control support for gaming and other apps, while anyone with an Android phone will be able to download ASUS' Mobile Remote app and steer from there. No word yet on pricing or a launch date -- ASUS won't be hosting a press event this week, but we'll be pounding the CES floors for more details. Follow all the latest CES 2013 news at our event hub.
Google TV getting Ubitus support, promising 'console and MMO' quality gaming
Ubitus might call itself "the worldwide technology leader in cloud gaming solutions," but we've yet to hear of the Taiwanese cloud gaming company. But that's about to change, as Ubitus just announced a partnership with Google TV to bring "console and MMO games" to various GTV-enabled devices. That means both Smart TVs and set-top boxes with Google TV will now have access to Ubitus' library of cloud-based games; Resident Evil 5, Lost Planet 2, and Super Street Fighter IV are all shown in an image we got with the announcement. Whether that means worldwide or Japan-only remains unknown for now, but we'll be sure to find out as CES 2013 kicks off in earnest today.