Posts by author: Trent Lapinski
GTVhacker has posted instructions on how to hack a Logitech Revue to run the Android Market. The hack is seemingly complicated, and requires both software and physical hardware modifications of an unpatched Logitech Revue. Even after the hack most applications do not function properly, and the amount of work required for this hack is likely not worth the risk.
Via [Talk Android]
The Logitech Mini Controller is an optional controller for the Logitech Revue priced at $129.99.The Revue ships with a full-sized QWERTY wireless keyboard with a built in trackpad, so this optional accessory offers the same control in a much smaller package.
With its sleek form factor and smaller size, the Logitech Mini Controller is certainly a more practical means of controlling the Logitech Revue. However, is the hefty price worth it for a bit of convenience and aesthetic appeal? Continue reading below to find out with our review of the Logitech Mini Controller.
Sources at the The New York Times have revealed that Google has asked hardware manufacturers to delay the launch of any new Google TV based devices so that Google can buy time to improve the software. With the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas just a few weeks away, it was anticipated that several major television manufacturers including LG, Sharp, and Toshiba were going to announce new Google TV enabled televisions. Google’s request to delay Google TV devices at CES comes as a considerable blow to the platform that has already been poorly received by journalists, and blocked by major networks and studios.
The move also puts Logitech and Sony in an awkward position as they have already spent millions on developing Google TV hardware that is already on the market, as well as millions on advertising campaigns. Google is simply in uncharted territory when it comes to consumer electronics, and it is beginning to show. Worse yet, Google is now mishandling their partnerships with major manufacturers, and having to admit to releasing an incomplete product.
Earlier today at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco, Google CEO Eric Schmidt and Nikesh Arora, Google’s head of Global Sales Operations and Business Development, both backed the Google TV platform.
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While Fox was busy blocking Google TV today, Google TV Product Manager Rishi Chandra was live at NewTeeVee Live 2010 discussing the nature of Google TV. The interview was reminiscent of Chandra’s keynote which we attended last week at Streaming Media West. During his keynote Chandra stated, “We are not looking to replace cable, our goal is not to replace it but to add to it.”
Chandra reiterated the same talking points today, saying that “cord-cutting is not happening anytime soon, we’re not trying to replace cable.” These statements may come as a surprise to many as it was originally assumed Google TV was a possible alternative to cable. However, Google has changed their tone in recent weeks to that of Google TV having more of a symbiotic relationship with traditional cable or satellite.
Continue reading after the break to watch a video clip of Chandra speaking at NewTeeVee Live.
Source: Engadget
Engadget is reporting, via an anonymous tipster, that the Logitech Revue will be officially launching on September 29th. The Google TV device will come with a standard retail price of $299.99, but Dish customers will reportedly be able to purchase one for a much lower price of $179.99.
If this is true, and the photo evidence seen below indicates that it is, does this mean that Dish’s Google TV powered set-top-boxes are not ready to be released yet? It would also perhaps explain why the Google Zeitgiest attendees we mentioned the other day went home with a 6 month Dish subscription for free.
Again, until an official press release is made by Google or Logitech, this has to be filed under the rumor category. The images are certainly compelling, but we’re by no means going to call this one a done deal… yet. Check out a few insider images below, and join us in trying to figure out their exact origin.
Source: Engadget
According to Engadget, Apple is rumored to be renaming AppleTV as iTV. The rumor is the iTV will be introduced sometime this fall and will retail for $99. The hardware is rumored to be about the size of an iPhone, and the software based on Apple’s iOS providing the ability to use the thousands of App Store applications already available on the iPhone and iPad. The iTV is also said to be based on Apple’s A4 processor that currently powers Apple’s iPhone 4, and iPad. The iTV will only have 16GB of onboard storage because it is suspected Apple plans on streaming content to the device. Keep in mind this is just a rumor, we’ll have to wait for the official announcement likely coming in September to know for sure.
Apple’s current and future TV offerings are seen as direct competition to Google TV.
Source: Android and Me
With yesterday’s announcement of the Logitech Revue, as well as Google’s vastly improved explanation video, there is definitely a lot of excitement to be had. There is one aspect of Google TV, however, that is not being made as publicly available and will come as a disappointment to some. The Android Market, home to over 50,000 apps, will not be immediately available during the initial launch of Google TV.
Not only that, it is still unknown as to whether or not an APK installer will be included for those that download files themselves using the browser. Google is doing this so developers have a chance to optimize their applications for use on Google TV, which is understandable. The APK add-on will likely be available early next year, with the full Android Market rolling out shortly thereafter. Also, with the Google TV source code not being released until sometime next year, it is less likely the hacking community will be able to provide an unofficial means of installing apps manually.
All of these factors makes this weeks video slightly misleading, as it clearly advertises the use of the Android Market without making mention of the 2011 release date. Once people begin to catch wind of this, it may result in fewer initial GTV customers. With no immediate threat from Apple, and the further delay of the Boxee set-top box, Google should perhaps consider pushing back the release date until early 2011 and provide full access to the Android Market.
Logitech just confirmed on their blog today that the official name of their Google TV hardware box will be Logitech Revue. The post does not make mention of an official release date, price, or hardware specs. See an excerpt from the official post after the break.
“Logitech Revue does everything we’re known for and more. So it couldn’t just be the Harmony Box or Squeezebox TV or, even worse, the Logitech TV Hub (although believe me, we’ve discussed them all). The meaning of Revue is a type of multi-act theatrical entertainment that combined music, dance and sketches – wildly popular between 1910 and 1930 Logitech Revue is a companion box and controller that brings the experience of Google TV to your TV screen. It combines everything on the Web, cable or satellite content, apps, video calling and more that will be wildly popular between 2010 and 2030, until we reinvent interaction again.”
That is all the information available at this time, but you can register at logitech.com/news/googletv for future updates and information.
Source: NewTeeVee
Yahoo is clearly feeling some pressure from the quickly approaching release of Google TV, as evidenced by today’s announcement that Sony will be expanding the number of markets where Yahoo TV widgets can be accessed. Sony is adding Yahoo TV capabilities to a new line of LCD TVs, which is poised to increase these markets by up to seven times what they are now. While on the surface this seems like good news for Google, it clearly shows some apprehension about Google’s latest venture.
Presently, Yahoo TV customers have access to thousands of widget based applications, giving them access to things like their Flickr accounts, the weather, news, and some television content. Google TV poses a serious threat, as users will have access to (theoretically) all the content found online. In terms of cost, analysts predict Yahoo TV will have a slight edge, at least for a while, as GTV hardware is expected to cost more given the need for higher performance hardware.
Yahoo also currently holds a more extensive list of partners which manufacture devices with Yahoo TV capability, including Sony, Samsung, LG, Vizio and HiSense. In addition, Yahoo is also working with chipmakers like MIPS Technologies, Sigma Designs and OEM partners like ViewSonic to bring Yahoo TV to set-top boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players.
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AppleXnews- CyberChimps Professional WordPress Themes to Launch iFeature Pro 3 on November 28th, Cyber Monday November 22, 2011
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