google tv

Welcome to CNET's predictions for the TV hardware category at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. For previous shows--most recently CES 2005, CES 2006, CES 2007, CES 2008, CES 2009 and CES 2010--I've placed not-so-bold bets on buzzwords like "1080p," "LCoS," "iDCR," "xvYCC," "LED," "Green," "Internet TV" and, yes, "3D." My first bet for 2011: Don't expect to see any major new technology acronyms this year.

The most prominent trends of 2010 were the introduction of 3D--the biggest, … Read more

Google has updated its Google TV software in an effort to make it more user-friendly.

After installing the new update, Google TV users will find improved Netflix integration. Aside from an improved interface and the ability to watch Netflix content, users can also add movies or shows to their DVD-by-mail queue from the updated app.

The search giant's decision to update Netflix is an important one. The previous version of Netflix on Google TV was antiquated. In fact, CNET's Matthew Moskovciak, who reviewed the Google TV-based Logitech Revue, said the software's "Netflix app is about two … Read more

Comcast is trying out a new service that would provide both TV and Web content through a single set-top box.

The service, codenamed Xcalibur, would outfit subscribers with a set-box that lets them watch certain Web videos and search for live, on-demand, and recorded shows, according to The Wall Street Journal. Currently being tested by Comcast customers in Augusta, Ga., the service is seen as Comcast's response to competitors such as Google TV and Apple TV as well as subscribers cutting the cord on their cable TV subscriptions in favor of online content.

But from the Journal's description, … Read more

I am worried about this Google TV thing. Not because I don't think it could somehow play a role in my complicated and, well, infernally messy life.

It's just that the darned thing looks so complicated and infernally messy. And I've endured so much of that already.

There seem to be so many buttons and thought processes through which to twist one's mind. Even those who are wise about these things worry that there are considerable complications to this attempt at dominating your living room's focal point.

The Logitech Revue is the first set-top box … Read more

After a bumpy start convincing media companies to embrace Google TV, the search giant is still trying to get the big media companies to warm up to the software platform.

Disney, parent of broadcast network ABC, plans to meet again with the company to discuss Google TV, which enables users to view Web content on TV sets, according to a Reuters report.

Speaking at a conference held by the news service, Anne Sweeney, Disney's TV chief, said: "More conversations are planned. I can't characterize them as negotiations."

So far, all of the major broadcast networks have … Read more

The Google TV platform was already struggling after Hulu and every major TV network started blocking its devices from streaming video, and now things are getting worse.

Viacom properties, including Comedy Central, MTV, and Nickelodeon, are now also blocking Google TV, with users receiving a message that the content "is unavailable for your device." The loss of Viacom content is a major blow to Google TV, as shows like "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" were some of the few high-quality TV shows that allowed streaming. The last we checked, "Conan" is still available, … Read more

Google has found another partner for its television advertising project in a familiar place.

Verizon Communications' Fios TV service has signed a deal with Google TV Ads to feature video ads uploaded to Google by advertisers wanting to use the search giant's self-service ad tools, the companies announced today.

Advertisers will be able to reach an additional 3.3 million homes with the deal, which will see Verizon and Google collaborating on yet another project, in line with their strong Android partnership and joint efforts on Net neutrality.

Google TV Ads doesn't get as much buzz as other … Read more

Sony might not be the only company offering Google TV in its televisions.

Samsung reportedly plans to run Google's software, which allows users to surf the Web and manage their DVR, among many other features, in a set of HDTVs that it expects to announce in January. The company's intentions were were reportedly revealed by Samsung TV business head Yoon Boo Keun to the Bloomberg news agency. He didn't provide any further details.

However, in an e-mail statement to CNET, Samsung pointed out that a final deal has yet to be struck with Google.

"For Samsung, … Read more

Those beautiful Sony television sets featuring Google TV are starting to look a lot like high-priced door stops.

Google TV enables users to view Web sites and Internet video on their home TVs. However, consumers are prevented from accessing content from the four major broadcast networks on the software platform as Fox announced Wednesday it would join ABC, CBS, and NBC in blocking access to their content.

While some Google TV enthusiasts are cautioning people not to panic, noting that Google TV still offers such fare as "The Jersey Shore" and other popular shows from the likes of … Read more