Skip to main content

First look at Google TV 2.0 ‘Fishtank’

We heard in April that Google was preparing to improve its connected TV, “revamping” the product with a faster chipset and upgraded UI, as well as Android app availability. Now we’re getting a look at that product, via Geek, which got an early look at a developer release.

Software

Right away you can see that the new interface looks a lot like Honeycomb. In actuality, it’s Google TV 2.0 beta, or a simplified take on Android 3.1 Ice Cream Sandwich. Keep in mind, this is a very early release and there are likely to be more preinstalled apps, but for the time being there is a clock app, a live TV app, and Chrome browser. Apparently, how exactly the live TV function will work is still up in the air, and something Google’s keeping close to its chest. For the moment, live TV can only be accessed via the HDMI port. Live TV can work behind the home screen, allowing users to run multiple applications. But developers (who allegedly came up with the idea to run data over live broadcasts) aren’t getting access to this feature’s API, creating some friction between Google and its developers.

All arguments aside, the color scheme is reminiscent of the PSN and Ice Cream Sandwich – all blacks and blues. There will be the ability for split-screen viewing as well.

Hardware

Developers are working with an Intel CE4100 reference platform running Google TV 2.0 beta. The CE4100 is designed for set-top sets, meaning it’s equipped for streaming, broadcast, and other Internet use. It’s also supposed to have no problems running Flash or 3D gaming. It also includes the remote control keyboard, which apparently is the same as the one paired with the Logitech Revue. Logitech was unimpressed with Google TV sales and said it would be scaling back production, but at least now we know the manufacturing isn’t entirely disillusioned with Google TV.

The device also features more ports than the first-gen model. Again, this is an incredibly early look, so take it for what you will.

Molly McHugh
Former Social Media/Web Editor
Before coming to Digital Trends, Molly worked as a freelance writer, occasional photographer, and general technical lackey…
How to download movies and shows from Prime Video
The Amazon Prime Video download page is displayed. It has tiles for a variety of movies and shows that are available for download within the app.

Amazon Prime Video is one of the most popular streaming services on the planet for good reason. Along with delivering live streaming video and a gigantic VOD library, Amazon Prime Video also allows users to download their favorite movies and shows.

This means that you can easily download your favorite movie, or an entire season of a television show if you're going to be away from the Wi-Fi for a bit. Whether you're hoping to stock up enough content to watch through an entire camping trip or you just need an episode to get you through a long flight, we've got you covered.

Read more
How connect your Chromecast to a hotel room TV
A Chromecast hanging from the back of a TV.

While some hotels offer complimentary HBO and other viewing packages, others only allow for limited options. But it doesn't have to be this way. If you're a Chromecast user, and remember to pack your device, you can get back to watching Netflix or Hulu easily. All you need to do is connect your Chromecast to a hotel TV. Here's how you can start streaming while away from home.

Read more
Music might not bootstrap NextGen TV and ATSC 3.0, but Roxi at least tries to make it fun
The Roxi ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV music channel.

Roxi plays music over the air via an ATSC 3.0 NextGen TV-capable channel. Phil Nickinson / Digital Trends

You’ll be forgiven if you’re not aware of a thing called NextGen TV. (And even more so if you’re not aware that it’s also part of a broadcast TV standard called ATSC 3.0.) You’re less forgiven if you haven’t installed an over-the-air antenna in your home because that’s very much something we think you should do in 2024.

Read more