By In keeping with the same style as Android phones, the peripherals and TV sets for Google’s take on internet TV will receive the “with Google TV” branding rather than be named Google TV outright. The first companion box that will hit the market is developed by Logitech and features their Harmony technology for controlling all of your home entertainment devices. Keeping with the theme that Google TV will combine the best of music, video, and internet entertainment the box will be known as the the Logitech Revue, a nod to the revues of the early 20th century that featured a combination of music, dance, and sketches.
Still no word on specific availability or pricing, but the Logitech Revue should launch in the fall along with Sony’s Google TV sets and Blu-Ray player. The Logitech box will be the way to go for many who already have a complete entertainment setup and don’t want to invest in a new TV or HD video player.
[via Logitech]
I can not wait for this. I am extremely excited to check this out.
i cant wait for the sdk
I love my android but i still don’t get what this does that attaching my hdmi laptop to my tv does not do already?? this is a proper question, not a wind up…
Would love to get this in the UK…
@zed It seems clear that this product is not specifically meant for you. It’s targeted more toward the non-technologically inclined crowd, who don’t even know what “hdmi” stands for.
Or “laptop”.
Or “attaching”.
@ James Jackson
cheers. i really have been doubting myself. so if it does not much more than i have, and the people who read this are more than your average user, why are we all so excited?
@zed
You will most probably do more things with your lap connected via hdmi to your tv than with a Google TV/Companion Box. What this is all about is simplicity and integration. Logitech is promising you will control everything in your multimedia wall with one remote which will feature even a keyboard. Much simpler to use for your average Joe than a PC connected to a TV
Revue will be known inside Logitech as ‘Revenue’.
I think Google TV will appeal to a lot of those consumers that still don’t have a computer or are intimidated by computers like seniors. It will offer the comfort of using a device that they are already familiar while opening up a wide array of new functionality to them. But beyond that, Google and Apple recognize this as a major platform for growth so what may be available at the initial launch may grow exponentially in a short time. Think about the difference between G1 Android 1.0 and Froyo 2.2. Big leap in a short run.
Will get it on launch day! Yes I have a laptop and android phone and no I do not want to connect either to my tv. I want an android TV and an android car :-)
When talking about benefits of Google TV, don’t forget about advanced search and scheduling options. The universal real-time translation will appeal to quite a few people as well. There are sure to be a lot of other little things like that as it matures.
I may be tech-savvy, but the rest of my family are not. My Logitech Harmony remote helps a lot, and the Revue will almost certainly be right up their alley.
My HTPC with with 5TB RAID 5 for the win!