The first version of Google TV was a total dud leaving companies like Sony and Logitech with warehouses full of useless hardware. Now Google is having another crack at trying to deliver a telly that will run a new generation of Android apps and YouTube movies.The new version, according to industry sources is faster, after Google rewrote the code for a new chipset which is believed to have been developed by Intel.
The new version will also allow users to download Android apps direct t to the TV from a new Android Market that is being designed specifically for a large screen TV.
In most cases apps for Smartphones and Android tablets are going to have to be rewritten to facilitate delivery to a larger screen. Google also wants to use the store to deliver movies and TV shows.
Recently Google via their YouTube operation reached agreements with Sony Pictures, Warner Bros and Universal Pictures to offer their movies the same day they are made available for on demand services. SmartHouse understands that Google is trying to negotiate global rights to content in an effort to deliver global movie and TV services to a Google TV operation.
The move to go global is not without its problems for the global search company.
Recently Paramount Pictures, 20th Century Fox and Walt Disney Studios, declined to join YouTube because of concerns that Google has not done enough to deter online piracy.
Paramount’s corporate parent, Viacom is currently embroiled in a copyright infringement suit against YouTube.
Analysts say that securing more sought-after Hollywood films is critical if Google is set to relaunch Google TV.
“This is the battle for the third screen,” said Colin Gillis, an analyst for BGC Financial. “Right now, people watch [YouTube] on their desktop or on their mobile, and it’s all short-form content. As part of the re-launch of Google TV, you’ve got to get people thinking [of YouTube] as more long form.”
A YouTube spokesman issued a statement saying, “We’ve steadily been adding more and more titles since launching movies for rent on YouTube over a year ago and now have thousands of titles available. Outside of that, we don’t comment on rumour or speculation.”
