Although the promised summer release window has long since passed (we’re expecting snow in DC today), Google TV 2.0 is nearly upon us. The official Google TV blog provides sample screenshots and itemizes their goals with the software reboot:
It remains to be seen if they’ve successfully met those goals. Or, more importantly, if they’ll find customers. But as early as next week, first generation Sony Google TV hardware will begin receiving the software update – with Logitech updates arriving “soon thereafter.” Given Google’s decision to go with Android branding, including the “Market” for apps and trumpeting the (prior generation) Honeycomb OS, they should have taken the opportunity to rename the entire initiative Android TV by Google. Yet, as we stated last week when previewing Google TV 2.0, that ship has sailed.
Regarding prior generation hardware, while you can get a deal on Logitech’s Revue ($99) set-top, it ships without a compact remote and will generally clutter up your living space. On the other hand, an integrated 24″ Sony Google TV discounted to $300 might make a nice addition to a den or kitchen area. In fact, I’m considering picking up one to replace our awful Vizio widgetized television. As rough around the edges Google TV may be, it provides light years better performance than Vizio’s Yahoo Connected TV platform. But what’s next for Google TV hardware? Intel has abandoned the “smart TV” space and Google indicates “new devices on new chipsets from multiple hardware partners” will be unveiled in the “coming months”… hopefully at Roku and Apple TV pricing.
For more on Google TV 2.0, check out our brief hands on last week (aka “lipstick on a pig”) and a trio of promotional videos hosted on Engadget.
