Google TV is scheduled to launch on devices starting this fall. And when that happens, expect Apple TV to have some major competition to face.
Google confirmed recently that its entertainment platform, Google TV,
will be made available this fall
on several devices,
including the Logitech Revue. The company remained relatively tight-lipped on
all the details of the products running the software, but it made it clear that
it plans to take the Apple TV head-on.
That's a good thing for consumers. And it's especially good for
those customers that want more than just the simple functionality that Apple's
device will offer. In fact, the new Apple TV will only allow users to stream
music from an iOS device. Users can only rent television shows or films on the
storage-less product. In other words, the Apple TV is hobbled compared to a
Google TV-based device.
Let's take a look at what makes Google TV so compelling.
1. Web browsing, anyone?
Computers might be the place where most Web browsing goes on, but
with the help of the Google TV, users will be able to surf the Internet from
the comfort of their couch. Some might not like that idea, since they want to
relax at night away from the Web, but others will find value in that. After
all, checking IMDb about a particular actor or movie would be much easier with
Google TV than being forced to walk into the other room to do that now.
2. The Apple TV won't cut it
Apple CEO Steve Jobs was quick to
point out that the new set-top box is no longer a "hobby" device. But it is. The Apple TV is
underpowered, it lacks value to most consumers, and it leaves out far too many
features. For the average consumer, it's a hobbled alternative to a Google
TV device. And that won't be changing anytime soon.
3. Apps galore
When Google announced its entertainment platform, the company said
that it would work with Android apps next year. The ability to run applications
on a Google TV-equipped device could drastically improve the software's value
proposition. And the average consumer that wants to do more than just rent movies
and television shows will be able to achieve that goal with all those extra
programs. Plus, Google has encouraged Web companies to create online apps to
support Google TV. If they do so, users could find a lot to like with the
platform.
4. It's a new take on an old idea that works well
Home-theater PCs have been available to consumers for a long time.
They simply connect to the user's television, and allow them to consume content
on the computer or surf the Web. The HTPC isn't as popular as, say, a tablet,
but it still caters to a niche market that wants that kind of functionality. In
essence, Google TV is a software platform that improves upon HTPCs. Plus, it
allows companies to offer that kind of functionality for a cheaper price. That
should help it attract a wider market.
5. Google knows software
Let's not forget that Google
understands software.
It knows what consumers are looking for in a device, it understands what people
want when they load up a program, and it goes about achieving its goals. Google
TV should be no different. It promises to deliver a viable experience to those
that want to do more than just watch television. And since Apple hasn't come
through for consumers, Google seems like the next best bet.
Email
Print
