Computer Technology News & Tips

If it works as smooth as it looks in this preview video, Google TV could provide the kind of seamless web-on-TV experience many have been looking for: Dedicated apps, a Chrome web browser, easy picture and music viewing, and more.

Google TV was announced in May, but the only evidence of how it could work was provided in a simple stage demonstration, and a cartoon-styled video. It seemed like a really web-savvy DVR, perhaps, or maybe a set-top box that had a little more Google juice.

Now Google’s had some time to line up its partners: Turner (TBS, TNT, CNN, Cartoon Network), CNBC, HBO, and the NBA, along with the usual Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand support you’d expect. It’s also got a real look at the Android-powered apps you’ll be able to launch from Google TV, including a Gallery of pictures, streaming music services, and, of course, YouTube. What catches our eyes, though, is Google’s claim that its “bringing Google Chrome and access to the entire Internet” into Google TV. If Google can make launching web sites on a TV screen from across the room easier than what the laptop-plugging crowd is used to, that would be something.

Here comes Google TV [Official Google Blog]

Source: Lifehacker.com

Forget Sony, Vizio, Samsung, LG, Toshiba and Sharp — those guys might have leverage in the production line, but they ain’t got the pizazz possessed by Sweden’s own People of Lava. After confirming (and reconfirming) that such a company really exists, we were stoked to learn that an Android-based television (the “planet’s first,” as they say) will be shipping later this year from ‘em. As the story goes, the future set — which will be fittingly dubbed Scandinavia — will sport a 42-inch panel, a 1080p native resolution and internet connectivity. We’re told that 47- and 55-inch variants are on the way, all of which will include Android widgets onboard and provide users with easy access to YouTube, Google Maps, the weather, an internet browser, Facebook, Twitter, etc. A USB socket will also be included (presumably for playing back media on your external hard drive), and it’ll demand a €2,000 ($2,695) and €2,500 ($3,370) investment when it rolls out in September. IKEA, you seeing this, or what?

Source: Engadget.com