Will Google Deliver a 'Google TV' with Intel and Sony?
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Google, Inc. (GOOG) has pretty much conquered the PC as the default search and information service for the majority of internet users. It's also taking on Apple, Inc. (AAPL), as it wants to become the provider of the next-best-thing wireless platform from the iPhone (a fight that's just now getting started). It's YouTube internet video service is being embedded in millions of new Blu-ray disc players and internet-enabled televisions. Where else does Google has aspirations? How about actual Google TV?
Google's Android software is not just a mobile device operating system. It can be used for television set-top boxes and tablet computers among other things. That's the uniqueness of it: it can expand Google's universe beyond the wireless pocket device, even as strong as that segment is among consumers right now. Although Google is calling the possible Google TV "rumor and speculation," it makes sense. Google needs to find a few hardware partners – like it did with Taiwan's HTC for the Nexus One handset -- and design a plus-in box that will bring Google to your television as easy as possible.
There are already many boxes that bring internet content to the couch potato: Roku and the Wii are just two examples. TiVo recently got in the game by providing traditional television content and information next to web-based video content and information (something television networks need to have embraced, as in yesterday). So, it seems natural for Google to get in the game here. The company's propensity for user-friendly interfaces and simplified interaction should serve it well if when it finally releases a product to plug into your boob tube.
