I’d like to suggest an update to this Google TV FAQ, as the schedule has clearly been blown (and by any or most objective measures, Google’s initial foray into television services has been a failure).
Expect many more applications after we open the Android Market on Google TV in early 2011.
“Early 2011” has obviously come and gone while Google TV has remained largely stagnent. Yeah, it provides a few nifty tricks, like that video overlay, and there’s tons of potential. But the interface remains a mess and a large percent of the web video we want to get at is blocked (by the providers). And then there’s all the apps. Rather, the lack of.
That’s the bad news. The good news, unveiled at Google’s developer conference this week, is what looks to be a significant reboot of the Goole TV platform this summer. Based on Android 3.1 (Honeycomb), and as reported by NewTeeVee, the new experience more efficiently directs folks to the features they’re seeking… including a full blown application Market. As you can tell from the screengrabs, the refreshed UI appears at once both more sophisticated and more streamlined. I only hope early adopters of original Sony and Logitech Google TV hardware and rewarded for their gamble with an update.
The Android Market will make Google TV a far more compelling platform. And far more competitive. As Android may provide a whole lot more programming power and flexibility than Roku’s API and simplistic presentation. Not to mention, there’s a number of suitable existing mobile apps that could be retrofitted for a lean back interface. Meanwhile, Apple TV doesn’t (yet) offer an open App Store – instead continuing to broker deals with select partners. So there’s still an opportunity for Google to make a mark in this space.