Logitech's Google TV box matches Apple TV at $99

When it was released last year, Google TV was touted as the next big thing. However, things haven't panned out quite as planned. The service has had a rough go of it, with buggy software and networks blocking access to content. But don't count it for dead quite yet.

Logitech, one of Google's partners in the launch of Google TV has slashed the price of its Revue with Google TV system from $249 to $99, matching the price of Apple TV and Roku's new Roku 2 XS. On top of the price drop, Logitech says the more affordable box will be upgradeable to Version 2 of Google TV that includes Android Market later this summer.

Here's what Logitech had to say in a short statement:

As you know, the Logitech Revue gives people a streamlined experience with their HDTV and the Web, video calling, apps and more. And stay tuned: with the expected release of Version 2 of Google TV later this summer, the Logitech Revue connected-TV experience will get even richer. When V2 goes live, all new and existing Logitech Revue users will automatically receive the updated version, built on Android 3.1. Among other benefits, V2 will offer a simplified user experience and access to the Android Market.

Whether the price drop and update breathes new life in to Google TV remains to be seen, but $99 seems to be the price point you have to hit to be competitive in the nascent streaming media box arena. We have a feeling that Logitech is at cost or losing money at $99 for the Revue, so you can choose to see this as a great bargain or as a company simply blowing out a product that has a shaky future.

Related links
• CNET's Logitech Revue hands-on review
• More bad news for Google TV