It’s no secret that early Google TV devices had potential but pretty much bombed. But the renewed enthusiasm we saw from numerous vendors at CES – including LG, Sony and Samsung plus chipmakers Qualcomm and Marvell – suggests that Google TV 2.0 devices (complete with Android Market access to made-for-TV apps) might finally be worth looking out for.
Sony’s new Google TV streamer includes a touch pad-equipped, motion sensitive remote and is specifically designed to navigate Android-based Google TV apps. There’s also a picture-in-picture mode so you can browse the Web while watching TV. Sony also showed their upcoming NSZ-GP9 Google TV Blu-ray player bundled with the same motion remote.
Though these Sony Google TV 2.0 products aren’t yet officially confirmed for Australia, Giz AU has been advised that there is a very good chance we’ll see them locally around the middle of this year. We’ll update you when we know more.
We didn’t hear about any actual TVs with built-in Google TV/Android from Sony. Meanwhile though, LG’s Google TV from CES is tipped for May, and as rumoured, Samsung confirmed at the show that they’re planning to have something ready for 2012 (though at CES only showed new TVs using their Smart TV platform).
Video by Ben Dunlop, the winner of Gizmodo’s CES Competition who travelled to Las Vegas courtesy of Sony.
Please excuse his initial Apple TV comparisons — I think he was getting his head around what the Google TV 2.0 platform can do, and rightly, ultimately came to the conclusion that it has the potential to be much, much more.
Also: Gizmodo’s CES 2012 Television Round Up: The Future Of TV Is Beautiful, Simple And Good
James
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 7:34 PMI really like what they’ve done here. Most people won’t want to ‘upgrade’ to an entirely new TV set for Smart TV, as they will have already bought a new LED/LCD/Plasma TV in the last 3-4 years. For example I bought an LED in 2010, and I’ve got an LCD from 2008 as my secondary TV that perform just fine as full HD TV’s.
Absolutely everyone I know has bought a HD TV in the last 3 or so years.
Being able to buy a Smart TV box is a great way to get it without buying an entirely new TV.
Darren
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 7:47 PMASUS MeMo (250) with HDMI out would be a much better solution, then you buying this for every room.
Danny Allen
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 8:04 PMThat’s certainly another option. Though it’s a tablet: http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2012/01/7-inch-asus-tablet-has-tegra-3-power-for-nearly-kindle-fire-prices/
Jester
Monday, January 16, 2012 at 10:49 PMPlease don’t let Ben do any more reviews, that was horrible. All I know from that whole 2:40 is that it has apps, OnLive (Is that right? What is it?) and a browser, while the remote has a trackpad. He’s got an expert standing right there in front of him, why not ask him to explain it rather than just say “So, this is in competition with Apple TV?”
Looking forward to hearing a bit about what Google TV 2.0 actually does.
Ozoneocean
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 2:41 AM“Please excuse his initial Apple TV comparisons ”
I think I can do that. Thanks for the note. This sort of on the spot interview can be very difficult when the person is more used to writing articles where they have more time to get their thoughts in order and are able to revise and research, so I understand his trouble here.
Sketchy
Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 11:51 AMWhat I like is the remote, looks pretty functional.