Google who is tipped to launch a premium movie service in Australia before Xmas has announced Google TV 2.0.Both Sony and Logitech whose revenues were hit by the failure of Google TV 1.0 have said that they will shortly launch products running the new Google TV 2.0 software that allows users to access the Android Market application store and hundreds of new app options for TV screens as well as access to YouTube movies.
According to several sources Google Australia is looking to launch their premium TV service via YouTube, a move that will see the Company compete head on with Optus, Telstra and Foxtel.
Already several TV companies including LG, Samsung and Panasonic deliver access to YouTube in Australia via their Smart TV offering. YouTube is also available via the Western Digital TV box and the D Link Boxee offering.
Both a Telstra and Optus source told SmartHouse that the only thing holding the service back in Australia is a broadband deal that allows users to get access to unmetered broadband when they download a YouTube movie.
Sony said that they will make the update available by early next week to the Sony Internet TV powered by Google TV and the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc player, which were first introduced a year ago in the USA. It is not known when the service will be launched in Australia.
Logitech will make the software update available to Logitech Revue set-top device owners in coming weeks.
Google TV 2.0 incorporates an upgrade from the current Android 2.1 platform to Android 3.1 Honeycomb. The update will deliver a better user experience than the original Google TV offering that was panned by reviewers.
The products suffered from a slower-than-expected adoption rate, prompting Logitech to make a series of price cuts on the Ruvue, from the initial $299 asking price down to $99.
The new update has a simpler and cleaner look, improved performance, and better search functionality. It also provides more integration with YouTube, which has proven to be one of the most popular applications on the devices.
Also improved is the integration with Android and iOS devices, like smartphones and tablets.
Among the improved search capabilities is a new TV & Movies application finds relevant titles from more than 80,000 movies and TV shows available on cable, satellite, Netflix, Amazon, YouTube and programming services.
As for original apps, Sony said it will include Track ID, which searches and identifies music heard on television broadcasts, packaged media or streaming video.
Additionally, Sony Select will deliver a curated collection, highlighting featured applications to consumers in an easy-to-browse manner.
“Connected experiences are a pillar of Sony’s value to TV consumers and Sony Internet Television powered by Google TV certainly brings ‘smart’ connectivity to the highest level,” stated Steve Haber, Sony Electronics executive VP.
“We very much look forward to the possibilities the Android Market will create for customers to personalize their experience. Users will enjoy the new features that this update brings to their interactive engagement with home entertainment programming, either through Sony Internet TVs or Bu-ray Disc players.”
