google tv

Google: Seriously, we've improved Google TV

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. -- The Google TV sitting in this user experience lab can access years worth of programming. In addition to everything on cable, it connects to the libraries of Netflix, YouTube, and 100,000 movies and television shows available on Google Play.

"Great -- you have all this content," says Rishi Chandra, director of product management for Google TV. "Now, how do you find a way to watch it?"

Usability has been the primary question about Google TV since it launched in 2010. Early reviewers found Google's first take on connected TV to … Read more

YouTube updates Android app for one-tap sharing to Google TV

Like many consumers of online video, Timbo Drayson wanted badly to bring his favorite viral clips from his smartphone to the big screen. But doing so hasn't always been easy, particularly for Google TV owners like himself.

"I love it when the video is playing," Drayson said. "But actually trying to navigate with these remotes is a nightmare."

Fortunately, as a product manager for YouTube, Drayson is in a position to do something about it. Recently, Drayson has been working in Google's London office on a new feature for YouTube designed to make streaming … Read more

Google TV makes its way to Korea

Google TV is expanding its reach and moving into Korea. The local provider, LG Uplus, is now offering an integrated Google TV set-top box with its television subscription service.

"If you've ever considered moving to Korea to enjoy its kimchi and K-pop -- starting today we have another reason for you," Google wrote in a blog post. "New and existing LG Uplus subscribers can get the u+tv G starting today, bringing live TV and 50,000 on demand titles, now integrated with Google TV apps like Search, YouTube, Google Play and Chrome."

This partnership … Read more

Google TV leak shows voice search, mini guide

It seems to be quite the day for accidental videos. The latest comes from Google, which has now removed a clip from YouTube that gave a sneak preview of new Google TV features.

The video, which made the rounds on the Internet today, showed off features such as voice search and a mini guide.

But the video has now been removed from the pubic Web, replaced by a message saying it's now "private."

"We're excited to bring users the next version of Google TV's software in the months ahead, but have nothing further to … Read more

Google TV update enables purchases through Google Play

Google took another step to build out its media offerings today, connecting its Google Play store to Google TV to make its entertainment offerings available for the first time.

Over the next few weeks, purchases and rentals made in the Play store will be accessible inside Google TV. Users will also be able to buy and rent content directly through the Google Play Store on Google TV. And any purchases made on another device -- a Nexus 7 tablet, say, or an Android smartphone -- will automatically show up as purchases on Google TV.

"Google Play gives you one … Read more

Nintendo TVii tries to succeed where Google TV has failed

As expected, Nintendo finally announced pricing and a release date for the upcoming Wii U, but the biggest surprise of the company's press conference was the announcement of TVii -- Nintendo's pitch to be the centerpiece of your home entertainment experience.

It's no shock that Nintendo is integrating streaming-video services like Netflix, Amazon Instant, Hulu Plus, and YouTube into the Wii U, but TVii is a far more ambitious platform, capable of cross-platform search through both streaming-video services and live TV listings, providing complementary second-screen information on the GamePad screen, and controlling your DVR and other home … Read more

Google to shut down TV advertising sales business

Google is pulling the plug on Google TV Ads, the search giant's five-year attempt to revolutionize the way advertising is sold on TV.

The move was prompted by the booming popularity of watching content across a variety of mobile devices, Google said.

"We've made the hard decision to close our TV Ads product over the next few months and move the team to other areas at Google," Shishir Mehrotra, vice president of product at YouTube, said in a company blog post. "We'll be doubling down on video solutions for our clients (like YouTube, AdWords … Read more

FAA may change in-flight gadget rules

Keep your seat belt fastened for Tuesday's tech news roundup:

The Federal Aviation Administration has formed a committee to reconsider its policy on when electronics can be turned on during a flight. But this does not include making a cellphone call, so no worries about noisy neighbors. This group will look into how (or if) today's smartphones and tablets interfere with communication and instruments, and perhaps future electronics could have some new certification standard that marks it as safe for use during a flight.

Android users might have to thank the Apple vs. Samsung trial for speeding up … Read more

Hisense taps Google TV set-top box market with $99 Pulse

Google TV seems to be garnering more interest from hardware makers.

The latest company to partner with Google is Chinese hardware maker Hisense, which announced a set-top box called Pulse today. Like other Google set-top boxes, the Pulse will offer access to content on YouTube, Netflix, and Pandora and come preloaded with Google TV apps like Chrome, Google Play, and Search.

The Pulse will feature a double-sided remote control with a touchpad and dedicated Netflix button on one side, and a QWERTY keyboard on the other for Web search. The device will also feature a variety of connectivity options, including … Read more