Logitech Revue With Google TV
Author: LouieOn November 5, 2007 Google officially announced the unveiling of the Android mobile operating system, which today makes up the majority of the shared smartphone sales across the world. With the popular use of this OS and the rise of interactive television it was only a perfect match to combine the two technologies.
There are televisions and Blu-Ray players that incorporate web access, but only offer web-based applications to access online content. Some common apps are YouTube, Picasa, Netflix and basic web browsing (non-flash compatible). You were limited to the online usage as well as any hardware compatible with the user experience.
Google teamed up with Intel, Sony, and Logitech and on May 20, 2010 Google TV was announced. Combining the Android operating system software and hardware, they were able to create a platform for set-top boxes and High Definition Televisions and bridging the true multimedia experience to home users across the world.
With Google TV using the Google Chrome web browser (flash enabled), users will be able to access the web and all of its content the way they can on their desktop and smartphones. On top of that, the integration of the Google Marketplace to the television interface will allow the use of specific applications, including current popular apps on the Android Marketplace, to be used with Google TV.
The Google TV platform, like the Android OS, will have fewer restrictions than current systems because it's based on an open source license. Users will be allowed to access any websites through their television, including supported services such as Pandora, YouTube, Twitter, Netflix, and Hulu. Google TV also announced an agreement with TBS, TNT, CNN, HBO, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. An Android phone or iPhone can be used to control Google TV in place of a remote control. They can even use the voice API to access search features built into the smartphone.
Since the project was first announced, Google stated that the platform will be integrated into new HD Televisions and Blu-ray players by Sony. Set-top boxes will be developed by Logitech and both will be powered by Intel Atom based SoC processors. Dish Network said their platform will communicate as well with the Google TV platform which will allow the viewer a "fully optimized" experience.
Logitech's official lineup for Google TV is called Smart TV. There Google TV powered companion box is called the Logitech Revue. The Revue includes Google TV in a box and a companion keyboard controller. You simply connect the box via HDMI to your television, cable, or satellite unit and your internet connection to the Logitech Revue and that's it.
Since Revue is a separate device it will work with any HDTV set no matter what brand or year. With built-in expandability and open-source platform, the Logitech Revue and Google TV is future-ready.
The Logitech Revue keyboard controller combines a keyboard, touchpad, and remote into an all-in-one, sleek looking device that's full wireless allowing you to control everything from once place.
The Logitech Revue is built future ready and is already expandable. Many accessories are already available from Logitech including a Logitech TV Cam. This camera acts just like a web cam, but for your television set. Simply connect your TV Cam to your Google TV system and you can have high definition video calling right in your living room. You can connect via Logitech Vid to another TV cam or computer web cam.
If your Logitech Revue keyboard is put away you can grab the Logitech Mini Controller which is a compact version of the bigger brother. It features a mini keyboard, touch pad, and remote control combo all in the palm of your hands. This is a great companion to your Keyboard Controller.
There are endless possibilities with the Logitech Google TV platform. All you need is the Revue, the keyboard and you're all set! Once you turn on the television you can instantly find all of your favorite sites and information, movies, apps, and online videos all on your fully customizable television home screen. I look forward to what Logitech can improve and add on to their product. They are definitely pushing towards what will eventually be a merge of technology in multimedia interaction.
For more information please sure to check out this site for the latest news and reviews on Logitech Google TV.
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