Skip to main content

Don’t worry, Logitech: Google TV is going to get better

Google TVEarlier today Logitech reported its 2010 fiscal earnings, revealing that the Google TV did not perform as expected. Logitech noted the disappointing numbers, saying it will take the price from $299 to $249 and “scale back” its marketing expenses.

According to a Business Insider source, Logitech isn’t the only one concerned about the fate of Google TV. “An industry source” told the site that Google will revamp the product, outfitting it with a faster chip set and improving the user interface. Android apps are on their way to the Google TV, and it’s sounding like Google will be introducing an Android Market developed specifically for the device–when Google TV first debuted, we knew that its specific app store wouldn’t follow until 2011, so the app store is right on schedule. CNET reports that next month’s I/O conference will feature classes focusing on building apps for Google TV using Android or Web apps.

Recommended Videos

Bolstered technology and a richer user experience are all well and good, but what the Google TV really needs is better, expanded content. The site’s source claims video content is about to hugely improve, which is good news since Google and Logitech were both blocked by major networks. It’s essential that Google is able to provide more programming, and its recent focus on producing high-quality content with YouTube could serve as another option. Not to mention that the deluge of Android tablets in the market means developers are taking heed and creating software and applications for the platform, which is great news not only for mobile devices but Google TV’s coming Android Market as well.

All of these upgrades could be revealed at Google’s I/O conference next month, and they couldn’t come at a better time: Apple has been making headlines recently for its own move into the living room. The company is rumored to be licensing its AirPlay technology to allow TVs to fully stream digital content,and more intriguing yet, it could be working on its own smart TV prototype.

Molly McHugh
Former Social Media/Web Editor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
Samsung’s hotel TVs add AirPlay connectivity
A man looking at a Samsung Hospitality TV at a trade show.

If you travel often or at all, you know the pain of trying to connect to one of your existing streaming services from a hotel TV. Well, Samsung wants to make things easier for weary travelers to watch their own content in hotels by adding Apple AirPlay support to Samsung Hospitality TVs.

All you want to do is watch The Bear in your room and go to bed before a big work day. Or lull the kids to sleep with some Paw Patrol in the adjoining room. Connecting your laptop, Chromecast, or Fire TV to a hotel TV isn't always as easy as it seems, and maybe you're reluctant to enter your credentials into your room's smart TV interface. Wireless AirPlay connectivity from your device seems like a no-brainer, but until now, Samsung's Hospitality grade TVs it provides to the hospitality industry didn't include the feature.

Read more
Does a job listing mean Apple TV is getting an Android phone app?
The Apple TV app listing in Google Play.

There already is an Android app for Apple TV. More than one, actually. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

Let's read way too much into a job listing from Apple. Spurred by a (paywalled) piece from Bloomberg under the headline "Apple Signals That It’s Working on TV+ App for Android Phones," the reblogging industry is all atwitter over the idea that an Apple TV app may be coming to Android phones and tablets. And it might!

Read more
What is Google TV? Here’s everything you need to know
The Google TV home screen on a Hisense UX.

Google TV is one of the best streaming platforms out there, running on everything from smart TVs to the best streaming devices, and Google TV Streamer. This web-connected OS is built to make streaming content easier than ever, letting you access all of the most popular streaming services from one hub.

Google TV isn't just for streaming though. You can use it to cast content from your phone, play games, control smart home devices in the Google ecosystem with Google Assistant, and even keep tabs on your viewing history to suggest new programs on the home page. There's plenty here to fall in love with, so let's take a look.

Read more