GoogleTv

38 'GoogleTv' stories June 2011 - February 2012

Google rolling out Android 3.2 to Google TVs, making way for Ice Cream Sandwich soon

Jake Smith Feb 2 2012 - 4:41 pm PT

Google is continuing its push on Google TV by rolling out Android 3.2 to Sony’s Google TV while the update to the Logitech Revue is on its way, GigaOm pointed out. The 3.2 update is not too major, but it does bring some nice updates, such as: Google TVs now boast hardware acceleration, HTTP live streaming that helps with HTML 5 live video, changes to the way Google TV identifies channels to make it easier for developers, and lastly a few user interface changes to Google Chrome.

That is all fine and dandy, of course, but what we really want is Ice Cream Sandwich to roll out to Google TVs soon. Android 3.2 will be the last major update before Ice Cream Sandwich operating system lands, but smaller updates will obviously ensue. We should be seeing ICS land by the end of the year, hopefully. Perhaps Google will give us a little more info at their Google I/O conference, so stay tuned!

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Google looks to Marvell to lead its GoogleTV transition to ARM and 3D

Seth Weintraub Jan 5 2012 - 10:54 am PT

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Marvell could not quite wait for Consumer Electronics Show 2012 to spill the beans this on its huge GoogleTV win. The ARM-based processor company will have its Armada 1500 chipset at the heart of upcoming GoogleTV 2.0 solutions.

Most of the processor details are below, but the big news is that Google is going with low cost/low heat ARM processors for its next-generation set top boxes rather than Intel, who dropped out of the set top box market. With Marvell, Google should be able to compete on price with Roku, AppleTV and the other players in the market, and more importantly, it should be able to persuade TV manufacturers to include the low cost chips into hardware designs.

Marvell boasts that the Armada 1500 does 1080P 3D, as well as Flash – even though Adobe’s long-term plans outside of the desktop market are murky at best.

It does not appear that Google will build its own devices (although, the image above makes for interesting conversation), but it will continue to OEM out Google software. In a statement, Mario Queiroz, VP, Product Management Google TV said: “The Google and Marvell teams have been working closely together to bring our combined software and chipset technologies to market to grow the Google TV ecosystem of manufacturers and devices. Marvell-powered Google TV solutions will enable powerful products to be brought to market at attractive prices.”

Eric Schmidt recently said Google hopes to have GoogleTV embedded in the majority of SmartTVs by the summer of 2012, so this is a very aggressive rollout plan. We expect to hear much more at CES, where most consumer electronics companies release product plans for the upcoming year.

Another interesting tidbit: GoogleTV appears to be fully underneath its YouTube wing with media contacts listed for YouTube press people. The full press release is available below.
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Roku unveils cable-free Streaming Stick as set-top box, smart TV replacement

Jordan Kahn Jan 4 2012 - 3:16 pm PT

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Set-top box maker Roku -one of Google TV and Apple TV’s biggest competitors- unveiled a new iteration of its award-winning Smart TV solution today. However, this time, they shrunk it down to the size of a USB stick that allows you to plug it right into your TVs MHL-enabled HDMI port. The device, called the Roku Streaming Stick, packs in built-in Wi-Fi, a processor, and memory, and includes all of the features currently available in their current set-top box.

According to Roku’s press release, the new cable-free, smaller form factor is ideal for delivering smart TV capabilities to consumers who typically do not replace their TVs often. That model differs from both Apple and Google, especially with Apple expected to launch an HDTV and Google pushing the GoogleTV platform built-in to TVs from vendors like Sony:

Today’s Smart TVs become outdated in just a couple of years because as software evolves the hardware needs to be upgraded to keep pace. While short hardware product cycles are expected with mobile devices such as smart phones, consumers generally keep their TVs for six to eight years. By moving the streaming platform to a stick that’s easily replaceable, consumers no longer have to worry about their large-screen Smart TV becoming obsolete before its time.

Official pricing has not been announced, but CEO Anthony Wood told All Things D the device would be available in the second half of 2012 for between $50 and $100. Roku also plans to have TV vendors bundle the Roku Streaming Stick with new TVs.

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Airtight brings Airplay support to GoogleTV, minus mirroring, DRM, and music

Jordan Kahn Dec 27 2011 - 12:50 pm PT

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A new application in the Android Market available for GoogleTVs running 3.0 and up will allow users to stream content from the iPad or iPhone using Airplay, Apple’s wireless streaming feature built into iOS.

After downloading the 99-cent app called “Airtight” to Google TV, users will be able to stream videos and pictures by selecting a device from within the Airplay UI on the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch (pictured above). Unfortunately, mirroring, DRM protected video, and music is not supported. Users will of course need the latest Google TV update to access the Android Market.

Apple has nothing to do with the app, and the developers said they are looking into methods of including music and the rest of Airplay’s functionality in a future update. We will keep you posted.

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Slingbox comes to GoogleTV

Seth Weintraub Dec 15 2011 - 11:29 am PT

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…and just like that, the GoogleTV suddenly becomes interesting again.

SlingPlayer for Logitech Revue

SlingPlayer for Logitech Revue now works with the Slingbox to extend your complete living room HDTV experience to another TV in your home, or wherever you want to watch. Access the SlingPlayer app from Google Spotlight and change channels, navigate the program guide, or watch and schedule recordings on your DVR – all on the big screen. Now you can enjoy your programming in crystal-clear HD on a TV in your ski condo, beach house, or let your college student watch in the dorm.

Strangely, no support yet for Sony GoogleTVs. In any case, the GoogleTV just got put in our vacation trip bag (not kidding). Now, where is Hulu?
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Sony GoogleTV Blu-Ray now $180

9to5 Staff Nov 10 2011 - 12:11 am PT

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From 9to5toys.com:

PC Connection offers the Sony GoogleTV BluRay Player NSZ-GT1 for $199. 9to5 coupon code 9to5Blu10 drops it $20 to $179.99, the lowest price we’ve seen. Google just updated its TV line to 2.0 which has applications, an easier menu system, HBO co and more. It features support for the Android-based Google TV service, 1080p upscaling, 8GB of built-in storage, 802.11n wireless and Ethernet connectivity, four USB ports, HDMI output, and more.

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Google sends notice of GoogleTV 2.0 update

Mark Gurman Oct 31 2011 - 10:59 am PT

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=y7pE9UTTfy4]

GoogleTV updates should be happening any second now. We’ve just got the following email from Google:
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Another video leaks of Honeycomb running on a Logitech Revue, featuring Netflix optimized app

Jake Smith Sep 14 2011 - 2:43 pm PT

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[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYS8mfgiw8I]

The official announcement by Google regarding Honeycomb for Google TV is just around the corner, and more and more leaks of the OS running on Google TVs are popping up. Today’s leak (seen in the video above) even includes video of the Netflix app optimized for the big screen — score!

You’ll also notice that besides Netflix, other Honeycomb optimized apps are appearing on the Market. A search in the Market for Google TV will return results like, “Fox News for Google TV”.

If you’re feeling adventurous, instructions for installing this latest build on a Logitech Revue are posted over at GTVHacker, but please be aware that this could brick your device. But at $69, it doesn’t seem like as big of a deal. The official announcement should be coming any day now..

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Logitech Revue GoogleTV drops to $90

Seth Weintraub Sep 13 2011 - 10:13 am PT

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The Logitech Google TV console has just dropped to $90 at Tiger Direct (New, free shipping). Interestingly, this box will be upgradable to GoogleTV 2.0, due out in the next month or so. Why is Google/Logitech in such a hurry to get rid of these? Certainly when GoogleTV 2 comes out, they will be worth more to the consumer, won’t they?

I think this also hints that the second round of GoogleTVs will be much cheaper than the first.
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Install Honeycomb (Android 3.1) on your Logitech Revue

Jordan Kahn Aug 2 2011 - 9:43 am PT

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Last week we told you about the boys over at GTVhacker porting Honeycomb to the $99 Logitech Revue. Forum member cj-000 has now posted instructions for the recently released beta, which, be forewarned, is said to be full of bugs and “not meant to be widely used”.

Here it is everyone, Android 3.1 (Honeycomb) BETA On the Logitech Revue.This is BETA, it is not meant to be widely used and has bugs. If that’s something you don’t care about and would like to risk it anyway, install the update. Also, If you want to help Logitech and Google out buy another Revue ( preferably from logitech.com ), at $99 its worth every penny.

Installing the beta isn’t for the easily frustrated, involving copying the update to an external USB drive, connecting it to your Revue, and following a number of key presses to access the device’s recovery menu. Forum poster cj-000 also warns you may “notice some crashes”.

Original GTV poster Zenofex notes you may want to try the secondary USB slot on the back of the Revue if you are having issues with your initial installation attempt. You should also keep in mind forum posters who have attempted the update warn certain USB drives seem to cause errors during installation.
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Logitech Revue hits $99

Seth Weintraub Jul 31 2011 - 7:29 am PT

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As promised in their latest horrific earnings report, Logitech has lowered the Revue GoogleTV box to just $99. That’s $200 less than it was yesterday, though sales had it near $150 in the past. Best Buy has dropped the price as well. Other retailers have yet to drop their prices, though that is expected to change soon.

Sony is also deeply discounting their GoogleTVs as well, though they haven’t made a formal announcement on the matter.

Google is expected to roll out a Honeycomb update for the Logitech/Sony GoogleTV by the end of summer which will give the device the ability to run apps on the big screen, a simplified interface as well as numerous other optimizations and improvements. Via 9to5toys.com

Press release follows:
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Sony 24″ 1080P WiFi LED LCD Google TV for $300

Seth Weintraub Jul 25 2011 - 8:13 am PT

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From 9to5toys.com:

Sony Store offers its Sony 24″ 1080p LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD HD Television with Google TV, model no. NSX-24GT1, for $299.99 with free shipping. That’s $17 under our mention from two weeks ago and the lowest total price we could find by $117. Sales tax is added where applicable. Features include a 1920×1080 (1080p) native resolution, LED backlight, 2,500:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 8GB of built-in storage, wireless keypad remote control, 802.11n wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, USB connectivity, one HDMI input, and VGA, component, and other video inputs. It also features support for the Android-based Google TV service (which allows you to watch Internet content on your HDTV) as well as applications for Netflix, Twitter, Pandora, CNBC, NBA TV, and more.
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Get a GoogleTV for $150

Seth Weintraub Jul 8 2011 - 2:57 pm PT

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From 9to5toys.com:

Logitech today offers a refurb Logitech Revue for $149.99. That’s half of retail and the lowest price yet offered. The Revue is the standalone Google TV unit with full sized keyboard and trackpad. It features an Intel processor, 1080P video with browser that can play Flash video, Pandora, Twitter and more.

As we reported earlier this week, you can also pick up a Sony 24-inch LCD GoogleTV for just $299 as well.

Both of these machines will be upgradable to the next GoogleTV OS based un Honeycomb in the upcoming months.
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Sony chops the prices of its GoogleTVs $200-$400

Seth Weintraub Jun 27 2011 - 3:45 pm PT

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From 9to5toys.com:

Sony Style cuts $200 off its 24-inch Google TV. The new $399 price was Sony’s original price for a GoogleTV BluRay Player (Which is now free with an HDTV purchase).

Sony Style offers its Sony 24″ 1080p LED-Backlit Widescreen LCD HD Television with Google TV, model no. NSX-24GT1, for $400 with free shipping. That’s $49 under our April mention and the lowest total price we could find by $97. Sales tax is added where applicable. Features include a 1920×1080 (1080p) native resolution, LED backlight, 2,500:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 8GB of built-in storage, wireless keypad remote control, 802.11n wireless, Gigabit Ethernet, USB connectivity, one HDMI input, and VGA, component, and other video inputs. It also features support for the Android-based Google TV service (which allows you to watch Internet content on your HDTV) as well as applications for Netflix, Twitter, Pandora, CNBC, NBA TV, and more.

32 and 40-inch models also got cut $200 while the 46″ model got a healthy $400 price cut.

Does this mean new models with a new Honeycomb-based OS are on the way? Likely.