Sony has introduced several Google TV enabled models (24-in, 32-in, and 46-in) and more recently Samsung has announced Google TV product.   The Google TV product by Sony is already available at Best Buy and can be purchased in store or online at http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Electronics+Promotions/Sony+Google+TV+Setup/pcmcat223900050005.c?id=pcmcat223900050005.

We recently reviewed the Sony Google TV as well as the Google Logitech – Revue with Google TV (http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Logitech+-+Revue+with+Google+TV/1257136.p?id=1218243226608&skuId=1257136)

Overall a very nice user interface, navigation and controls were easy to use.   The new Google TV changes the game for Connected TVs.

Logitech Revue with Google TV

Connections

The Logitech Revue with Google TV has an HDMI input and output, which allows you to connect your cable or satellite receiver through the set top box.  This integrated hookup allows you to easily switch between apps and live TV, overlay menus and watch TV and surf the web simultaneously.  The box also has very powerful IR blasters on the front that control your TV, A/V receiver and cable or satellite receiver.  There are also IR blaster ports on the back if any component is out of reach of the front blasters.  There are 2 USB ports for accessories, an Ethernet jack, optical SPIDF out and built in WiFi 802.11 b/g/n.

Search

Google, originally being a search engine, designed Google TV to search not only your apps and the web, but your TV as well.  The Google TV User Interface and navigation controls have access to every local area, cable and satellite provider’s program guide.  This solution does a really good job of integrating the TV viewing experience with connected services and the web.

World Wide Web

Google TV also has the Google Chrome web browser with Flash 10.1.  You can view practically any website with Google TV.  There are certain sites that block the Google TV platform, like Hulu.com, because they plan to develop their own app which requires a monthly fee (Hulu Plus).  Google TV also has a dual view feature that allows you to watch TV in a Picture-in Picture (PIP), while surfing the web.  They system does not allow you to swap the TV image and website.  From a practical point of view it may be difficult to view and navigate a website in a small PIP.  This is a potential nice to have but not a major negative.  For future designs,  Sony and others introducing Google TV should consider a Picture over Picture (POP) or side by side windows that would enable TV viewing while also surfing the web for information.

Apps

One of the most powerful features of Google TV is their open source Android platform.  Just like the Apple and Android phone app stores, anyone can create an app for Google TV.  Starting next year, the list of apps will grow considerably.  Here is a list of popular apps available on Google TV today:  Netflix, Twitter, YouTube Leanback, CNBC, Pandora, Napster, NBA Game Time, Amazon Video OnDemand and Picasa.

Spotlight

The Spotlight section of Google TV brings you popular entertainment websites that have been adjusted to be easily navigated on the television.  These sites usually have entertainment content like TV shows, music videos, cooking programs, etc.  Here is a list of popular “stoplighted” websites on Google TV:  HBO Go, TBS, blip.tv, New York Times, Cartoon Network, CNN, VEVO, TNT, Adult Swim and Flixter.

Remote

With the Logitech Revue, with Google TV, the remote is a full handheld QWERTY keyboard.  They also sell a mini QWERTY keyboard remote as an optional accessory.  The full size keyboard remote that comes with the product has a very good feel and is easy to use.  It has the capability to fully control your Google TV, cable or satellite receiver and an A/V receiver.  There is also a remote app you can download for free on your Android phone, iTouch, iPhone or iPad.

Sony TV with Google TV

The Sony TV, with Google TV has a mini QWERTY keyboard remote that is a bit more cumbersome.  The mouse functionality is kind of weird and difficult to navigate, but with time, the user might get used to it.  Like the Logitech Revue, you can control your whole system with the Sony keyboard remote.   All of the functions and features stated earlier with the Logitech Revue also are available on the Sony TV with Google TV.

Google Talk

Google TV also has an optional HD webcam that allows you to video conference through Google Talk.  We have not been able to test this feature yet.

Highlights of  Google TV.

• Integration between Google TV, DVR, AVR and Satellite, Cable Box or TV tuner.
  • Bring up guides, change channels, adjust volume, record programs, and change inputs, all from the Google Chrome remote.
• Picture in Picture mode makes it very convenient to watch TV in a corner while surfing the Internet.
• Open Android platform will bring limitless possibilities as more applications. become available, similar to the Android phone platform.
• Chrome Browser support with adobe Flash 10.1 support.
  • Allows you to view practically all websites.
• QWERTY keyboard makes text input easy
  • Sony has a mini QWERTY keyboard remote
  • Logitech Revue has a full QWERTY keyboard remote
• Control your Google TV with a free remote application on iPhone/iTouch/iPad or Android phones.
• Google Talk video conferencing capabilities

Share this link with your cave folk

Hide Sites

Tags: connected TV, googleTV, Logitech, Samsung, Sony