Google TV - Is It Ready for Prime Time?

Can anyone stop the Google (News - Alert)? That is the question on many a mind as Google TV continues to be squaring off against ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and Viacom, according to an Information Week report. The focus is to contain Google’s experimental hybrid of television and Internet but given Google's strength in the market, how long can these broadcasters hold out?

Reports show that the broadcasters have all taken steps to block Google TV’s access to their premium television shows, fearing that Google TV will encourage viewership of Internet content. This move would siphon valuable attention from their content and ultimately diminish their power in the market.

Google appears to be undaunted and on Wednesday, announced the first of what presumably will be many free, automatic software updates for Google TV. One of these updates makes Netflix more accessible and considering its growing reach in the market, this partnership could mean great value for these players.

The initial app launch for Netflix only enabled users to browse what was in their instant queues. With this updated version, there are now recommendations and the ability to search for and watch any movie or TV show in the Netflix streaming catalog. The update also allows users to queue DVDs to be mailed.

The appeal of Google TV is expected to expand with the availability of Android (News - Alert). As a result, the company is working on an Android-based SDK for Google TV and is expected to be released in early 2011.

With the Google TV update, the dual viewing experience is also expected to improve. Google TV users can now move and resize the video window overlay while also browsing the Internet.

Google TV users should now be able to download the Google TV Remote app from the Android Market – and soon for the iPhone (News - Alert) through the iTunes App Store. In addition to making typical TV remote features available on one’s phone, the app will also leverage Google’s significant investment in voice recognition that will allow for spoken searches for shows.

Movie searches have now also been enhanced as a movie search results page that aggregates associated film titles from specific sources – think Amazon, Netflix, etc. – to provide a single point of access.

Those interested in obtaining a 46” Sony Internet TV – which relies on the Google TV platform – have been invited by Google and YouTube (News - Alert) to submit a video that explains why they are excited about watching YouTube on Google TV before Dec.  22, 2010. The companies plan to announce 100 winners who will receive Sony Internet TVs on Jan. 20, 2011.