Last week, Google announced it would launch a TV service.  It could be a promising service if Google can figure out ease of use, set up, pricing, and content rights.  I researched a few websites to dig up some information and here’s what I found out.

What, when, and how?

  • Google TV will give its customers the ability to stream TV shows over the internet to their TV sets.
  • Should be available in the fall of 2010.
  • It requires a broadband connection of at least 3 Mbps.  Think DSL or cable modem.
  • It will be integrated into Sony TVs and will require external hardware without a Sony TV.  I’ll be opting for the external hardware option.
  • Once you have the hardware, the service is free.
  • I was not able to find any pricing on the hardware at this time.  Needs to be no more than $200, preferably around $99.

How many times have we heard, “Internet on the TV is here or this is the year of Internet TV?”  Way too many times with little success.  I hope Google gets it correct and makes it simple.  Google said in their keynote speech, “TV just works.”  And Google TV is going to have to be that reliable and easy.  Everyone can turn on and operate a TV in anyone’s house.  You should not have to be trained to use Google TV.

In order for Google TV to be successful, it must be:

  • Easy to use
  • Easy to set up
  • Be reliable
  • Have compelling content

Today’s cable and satellite systems are closed.  You have to watch what is available from your provider and at their prices.  You can not roam the web, YouTube or any other Internet content with the current system.  Hopefully, Google TV will fix this or at least give the cable and satellite companies a little competition.

I would love to see Google TV have the ability to pull in your preferences by signing into your own Google account.  Imagine going over to a friend or relative’s house, being able to log in to Google TV, and all your shows are available.  Additionally, Google TV should also remember where you left off in a particular show and start from there.  I’m totally ignoring any business or content agreements that would keep this from happening.  I just want to see the content freed in order to let the technology do what it can.  In the long run, it will be better for consumers, advertisers, and the content owners.  So far, no one has been successful breaking down the business barriers in television or movies.

Can Google do it?  I hope so.