From the monthly archives: October 2010
After reviewing Google TV, it would appear that The Washington Post is not completely sold on the search giant’s foray into TV. The article wastes no time in making the comparison to devices like Apple TV and Roku, and states that “Google TV has a difficult job to do. And it does it poorly.”
The author cites a lack of overall intuitiveness during the setup process, something we also expressed during our initial impressions of the Logitech Revue. The article does praise the menu layout and navigation of the Google TV interface, but complains that it does not go far enough in that (unless you are a DISH customer) you do not have a means of exploring your DVR content through Google TV, and are forced to navigate your provider’s hardware interface.
What a week. First the SF Chronicle featured an article that network woes had caused Google to restructure the Google TV project to operate under YouTube. Then, VentureBeat posted that a Google spokesperson was denying the whole thing and that Google TV was not operating under YouTube. From the VentureBeat article:
A Google spokesperson has issued the following statement denying claims made by the San Francisco Chronicle today that Google had transferred management of its Google TV operations to its YouTube subsidiary
Now, it would appear that eWeek has a new story to tell, which is that Google TV was moved under YouTube during the company’s restructuring over a month ago, and before Google TV was officially on sale to the public. They do concur with VentureBeat that the move had nothing to do with Google’s recent issues with the networks, but the two sources clash on whether or not Google TV is operating under YouTube.
We are getting ready to finally to publish our reviews of Google TV and the Logitech Revue associated hardware, beginning with a review strictly of the Revue hardware with a review of the Google TV software itself to follow. For now, though, here are a few of the reviews of Google TV from around the web:
Google TV review – Engadget
Google TV Review of Logitech Revue Box, Controller – eWeek
Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Player with Google TV review – BGR
Google TV review, part 1: setup and online – Washington Post
Google TV review, part 2: connecting to cable – Washington Post
San Francisco-based Blinkx a popular video search engine, has announced a Google TV optimized version called Blinkx Beat. Blinkx founder and CEO Suranga Chandratillake had the following to say on the subject:
““Blinkx Beat was designed and built to be watched like television. It’s an addictive channel of snackable videos which offers an ideal sit-back and surf experience and we’re thrilled to make it available through Google TV.”
I fired this up on our Logitech Revue, but was not overwhelmed to say the least. There is no way to search for video (at least that I could tell) and you are only able to navigate back and forward between whatever randomly selected, non HD videos they decide to show. When compared to YouTube Leanback or Vimeo’s new Couchmode, I really don’t see the value here.
[via Appmarket.tv]
A source has informed us that DISH Network has in fact quietly begun selling the Logitech Revue to customers for $179.00 plus shipping. The one catch, though, is that the only compatible receivers are the 622,722,722k and 922 .
Again, this information is not coming from an official DISH Network announcement, but rather an individual source, so take it for what it’s worth. Stay tuned for an official announcement, but if you’re a DISH customer and want to order a Revue for this subsidized price, you may want to give them a call.
Also, if you’re a DISH customer and have been able to order a Revue, leave us a comment below and let us know!
[thanks Richard for sending this in!]
Earlier this month, we brought you a comparison chart showcasing Apple TV, Google TV (Logitech Revue), and Roku side by side. Now, Computerworld has composed a more in depth look of what each platform has to offer and testing them on several different networks and TVs. The same HD shows were tested on each device using Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and for Apple TV, iTunes.
They concluded that while Apple TV gives you access to your paid iTunes library and YouTube content, there isn’t a whole lot of options if you’re looking for free content to watch. Roku is is a similar boat, but does give customers access a few more options, such as Archive.org’s Prelinger collection. Google TV (Logitech Revue) offers the most potential in terms of what it can do, but at three times the price of Apple TV, some customers may have a hard time forking out the dough for a platform that has yet to reach its full potential.
Hit up the source link below to check out Computerworld’s full comparison of Apple TV, Google TV, and Roku.
[via Computerworld]
Gaming has always been a discussion factor for Google TV. Obviously having Flash on board opens up the platform for popular browser games like Farmville, but what about gaming for enthusiasts?
TechRadar proposes that the next generation of Google TV hardware could be far more geared for gaming, opening up the platform to a much broader consumer base, and allowing it to take on devices like the Xbox. They accurately point out that Google TV is really a PC at heart, and that the addition of a heavy duty graphics card could make it a powerful gaming platform.
Speaking to Dow Jones Newswires, Logitech CEO Jerry Quindlen stated that it is the 2nd generation of Google TV hardware that will be the big moneymaker. Yesterday, Logitech raised this year’s sales expectations by $50 million, largely to take into account sales of the Revue and associated hardware. Quindlen had the following to say on the subject:
“We believe deeply in Google TV. We have been investing in it for several quarters without a dime of revenue. We will have a much broader range of peripherals over time. This is just the beginning. The first focus is to get customers familiar with Google TV.”
Logitech is expecting lower gross margins for the Revue, and seems to understand that Google TV is still in its infancy, and will take some time to become an expansive market. However, Logitech remains extremely optimistic about Google TV, and will continue to drive awareness about both their products, and the platform in general.
[via Capitol.gr] Continue reading »
Yesterday, we brought you a story that was originally reported in the San Fransisco Chronicle that Google TV had been moved under YouTube to be managed by Salar Kamangar. Well, a Google spokesperson has issued the following statement denying the claims made by the chronicle:
There is no correlation between the recent blocking by three US networks of Google TV accessing their full-length Web shows and a reorganization that YouTube did over a month ago. Google TV has been closely aligned with YouTube for years and its reporting structure has remained largely unchanged. The reorganization YouTube did over a month ago focused on streamlining our operations so we could make faster decisions and align team goals with the company’s overall business objectives. Just like any rapidly growing organization, it is important for YouTube to evolve and grow to ensure further success in the future. The recently created YouTube Content Organization is run by VP of Content Partnerships, Dean Gilbert.
So, it would appear that Google TV will continue working closely with YouTube, but will not be operating under it.
Last week, we reported that Logitech had sent out an official apology email to customers for the delay in delivery of pre-ordered Revue units. They promised a special offer to those who had to wait, and they have delivered on that promise with a $25 gift code, good for any product with no minimum purchase.
Best of all? They’re offering free shipping. So, if you pre-ordered a Revue and had your shipment delayed, check your inboxes for your $25 gift code.
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