Qello for Google TV Now Available

Qello has announced that their Google TV application is now available in the Android market. Qello is a service that brings to you a huge catalog (they claim to have the biggest) of live music performances and they deliver them to your television in HD. The ability to create setlists artist. You can mix and match multiple different artists to keep things varied. Grab the 5.4MB download in the market here. [via GTVSource]

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Airtight App Brings Apple’s Airplay to Google TV

Even at a site full of die-hard Android users, we’re big enough to admit when a competing platform has a cool feature, and Airplay certainly falls in to that category. The feature allows iPhones and iPads to instantly stream video and audio to compatible devices, sort of like DLNA. Now that functionality has been extended to Google TV, by way of a GTV app known as Airtight. It’s currently priced at 99 cents in the Android Market, though naturally you’ll need Google TV hardware to see it.

Basically, the app fools any nearby Apple devices into thinking that the Google TV hardware is really an Apple TV. This allows any iPhone, iPad or iPod to stream video and audio directly to Google TV, though sadly DRM’d content (any video purchased from iTunes) won’t play. Mirroring, where the same video is played on the device and the TV, is also out for now. Naturally both devices must be connected to a local WiFi network for the transfer to function, and you’l need an update to Android 3.2 before you can use the Market on your Google TV device.
The app was only posted to the Android Market yesterday, so expect a few bugs at this point. For a start, music isn’t supported, though the developer says that he or she is working on it. A paid app that’s basically a public alpha might rub some the wrong way, but it is just a dollar – not much for an impressive technical feat. Other apps by “Yossie” come highly recommended, so expect some timely feature updates soon.
[via TechCrunch]

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Crunchyroll Adds Google TV Support – Watch Your Favorite Anime Or Dramas On The Big Screen

When it comes to Google TV, one could say it’s more of a niche market than anything. So what happens when you combine one niche with another like Japanese anime? Pure magic. Well, if samurais and robot maids are your thing. Crunchyroll has finally added Google TV support to their popular anime viewing app, giving free and premium users the ability to watch all their favorite anime from the comfort of their living rooms.

There’s a myriad of content offering everything from G-rated material, to more mature themes (stay away from anything that mentions “tentacle” in the description — don’t say I didn’t warn you) and even non-anime like Korean/Japenese dramas (read: soap operas). Crunchyroll also mentioned they plan to introduce 720p HD videos sometime early next year so be on the lookout for that.

You can download Crunchyroll for free right now from Android Market on your Google TV or Android powered smartphone.

[Via GTVSource]

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Myriad Alien Vue brings Android apps to TV, minus Google

So, Google TV hasn’t done very well so far. But that doesn’t mean that big cable providers aren’t sitting up and paying attention. A bevvy of app-enabled set top boxes from Apple, Google, Roku and others are starting to seriously worry the dinosaurs of the TV industry. So why not just add apps to current receivers? Most of them are basically just low-powered computers running a locked-down Linux derivative, after all. Myriad Group, the folks behind the Alien Dalvik software that allows iOS and other platforms to run Android apps natively, have done just that.

The Alien Vue is a small piece of hardware that emulates Android’s various necessary pieces of hardware and software, specifically designed for TV output. At the moment it’s limited to Google TV apps, but it’s already allowing smartphones and tablets to control input. Basically, it’s an independent system that could be easily added to current-generation set top box hardware for a quick and dirty infusion of Android-powered goodness. HTML5 apps, including mobile versions of websites like YouTube and Facebook, are also supported.
Check out their demo below:




Is this an alternative to Google TV? In a word, no. What it could mean is that cable and satellite providers could easily build out smarter platforms, then add their own apps or partner apps by developing to Android standards. It’s a modified version of Barnes & Noble’s approach to its Nook devices, which run Android underneath a UI and app system designed to promote their own content. While the Alien Vue system would not have access to Google TV’s core functions, it would be a quick and relatively cheap way to keep the freebie cable boxes competitive with their Internet-based counterparts.

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SlingPlayer for Google TV Now Available

SlingPlayer fans can now take their content to the big screen as the Android application has finally been adapted to Google TV. While the team at Slingbox is only detailing it for the Logitech Revue it is known to work on Google TV products from other manufacturers. This one’s not in the Android market but it should be in the Google TV apps repository so be sure to check for it there under All Apps > Spotlight > TV and Movies. [SlingMedia via GTVSource]

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Schmidt: Android already beating iPhone, Google TV on most TVs in 2012

Google chairman Eric Schmidt was on-hand at the LeWeb conference in (where else?) Paris, giving a pseudo state of the company report for Google’s various properties. Highlights include the bold statement that Android is already beating iOS in most important metrics, and that Google TV would be on a majority of televisions by next summer. What?

Yes, that’s what he said: ““By the summer of 2012, the majority of the televisions you see in stores will have Google TV embedded in it.” A bold statement, especially considering that Google TV has mostly been seen as a failure. Logitech, one of only two manufacturers to support the Android-based system, abandoned its only Google TV device after a combined loss of $100 million. Sony seems committed enough, and LG may join them early next year, but there’s been no indication that Google TV is anywhere near mass adoption. Even after an upgrade to Honeycomb, there just doesn’t seem to be any measurable level of excitement for Google TV. Is Schmidt just being brash, as he’s been known to, or does he know something he’s not telling?
You can watch the entire video for yourself below. It’s a whopping 56 minutes long, so grab a bag of popcorn and get your corporate rhetoric on!




Speaking on Android versus iOS, Schmidt said, “Android is ahead of the iPhone now… [there's more] unit volume, price is lower, more vendors, it’s free.” That claim is at least quantifiable. Most metrics show Android smartphone market penetration at around 42-46%, with Apple trailing behind at around 22-28%. Some markets have even higher Android numbers, like the UK and China.
[via SlashGear]

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Google TV 2.0 update lands

Logitech has killed off the Revue Google TV box after very poor sales and will not be replacing it. The good news is if you already own the Revue the device will still be supported with software updates. Today marks the latest software update for the Revue with Google TV 2.0 landing for the set-top box. Google TV 2.0 has already hit other devices using the software like some Sony smart TVs.

The update is an automatic one and brings Android market access to the box, which is something that many have been waiting for. The update also brings the Revue box to Android 3.1 for the operating system. Some of the issues with Google TV’s first software are addressed with the new update.
The UI is easier to use and the search system has improved consistency. The box now has a Quick Search Box that will look though TV content, online video, apps, and bookmarks as well as search the web. The update also brings a TV & Movies app that focuses on that content. If you have the update applied let us know how well it works.
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Samsung Still Bringing Next Generation Google TV Devices in 2012

While some manufacturers, like Logitech, may not be as willing to jump back into the Google TV market before it proves itself to be fruitful, Samsung’s still going steadfast into the future with plans to offer next generation devices.
Reuters is hearing that while we won’t see their newer devices by CES, we definitely will be seeing them at a later date. It’s comforting to hear that Google still has a major hardware partner and potentially a couple more behind Google TV, giving them incentive to keep the project alive.
After Logitech credited the Revue with causing them to lose some of $100 million all seemed a bit worrying, but things often are with new products and untested markets. We’re sure HTC lost money on Android when they were the only ones launching phones in the slow market but look where everyone is at now.
The only difference between this and that is that the smartphone market was starting to boom and Android was in a great position to take advantage of that. The smart TV market is still maturing and still looking to capture the interests of many consumers. It’s not just Google TV that hasn’t really taken off and we’re sure if the market is there, Google TV will be. [Reuters]

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Google Music expands to Google TV

You get no points for seeing this one coming. The new music purchasing and streaming options unveiled in the Google Music presentation are already available to all Android users in the US, and now they’re rolling out to Google TV as well. Both the Android Market and Google’s official Music app have been updated, allowing purchasing, streaming and sharing of individual tracks and albums through Google TV. The additional functionality should help Google TV to further compete with Apple TV, even if both are somewhat lacking in the product name department.

According to the official screenshot, the interface for Google Music has an extra coat of polish, allowing it to easily be used from couch-standard distance. All the features of the smartphone and web player are present, including the nifty new “pin” option, which automatically keeps selected songs, albums or playlists synced across all your Android devices. Between the Google Music update and an upgrade to Honeycomb, not to mention the long-awaited addition of Android Market access, Google TV is starting to become the all-in-one media hub it set out to be last year.
Google is promising constant updates both to the Google TV platform and the Google Music app and service. The former could definitely use it: with Logitech bowing out of Google TV altogether, the future of the system relies on Sony, and perhaps next year, LG as well. With Google integrating so many different media sources, here’s hoping it becomes a much more viable option going forward.

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Google may tests out cable TV service in Kansas City

Google’s no stranger to disruptive technology, but so far, Google TV has failed to make a dent in the set-top box market. Google may be aiming to change that with a new approach: don’t replace the cable box, replace the cable company. The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the search giant is investigating the possibility of bringing cable TV services to customers of its upcoming fiber service in Kansas City, Missouri, bringing both super-fast Internet and Google-branded TV to its lucky residents.

You’ll remember that Kansas City was selected as the recipient of Google Fiber, an experimental fiber network that will deliver blazing broadband speeds at a fraction of the cost of current providers. Very little has been heard about the service since Kansas City was announced as the recipient. Cable services, either via an IPTV system or traditional methods, would not be beyond Google’s reach. And with Kansas City already serving as a testing area for Google-branded services, rolling out cable TV would be a very easy addition.
Part of the reason for this could be Google’s frustration over the Google TV platform. Just last week Logitech announced plans to abandon its Revue device after staggering profit losses, and there are still a large amount of cable providers that will not support Google TV. Perhaps Google is tired of trying to change things from the bottom and is hoping to compete directly with cable and satellite providers, many of which also provide “high speed” Internet. With YouTube adding movie rentals and original content, a delivery system than consumers are already comfortable with would seem like a nice fit.
A Google representative would not comment on television plans when contacted. Google’s fiber service is set to go live in Kansas City next year. We’ll be keeping an eye out for the possibility of a new kind of Google TV.
[via GTV Source]
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Google TV 2.0 (Android 3.1) Reaching Sony Hardware Today

Somedays I feel like I am the only person in this world who loves Google TV. But not today. Today I can pretend everyone loves Google TV, and indeed everyone gets a second chance to fall in love. And second chances at falling in love don’t come frequently. So take advantage. If only one thing could spoil news that the Google TV 2.0 update (otherwise known as Android 3.1 for Google TV) is already arriving for some lucky owners of GTV hardware, it would be that Logitech Revue owners like me will still have to wait a few more days. Lucky dogs owning Sony’s hardware (including internet-connected TV sets and the GTV Blu-Ray player) should start seeing the update any time now, and some already have. God bless.
[via AndroidCentral]

Related articles

• Google TV 2.0 update coming to Sony next week, Logitech Revue later (goandroid.co.in)
• Google TV apps already showing up in the Android Market (goandroid.co.in)
• YouTube TV channels may appear next week (tech-gadget.co.in)

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Google TV 2.0 update coming to Sony next week, Logitech Revue later

Logitech appears more than ready for Google TV’s Honeycomb update, but according to a new blog postfrom the Google TV team, Sony’s TVs and set-top boxes will be getting it first starting next week. The Logitech Revue will follow “soon thereafter”. The updated post outlines some of the new Google TV features, includingAndroid Market support and an improved user interface.

In an interesting bit of humility, the post admits that the original Google TV software “wasn’t perfect,” and focuses on the simpler homescreen with customizable video and app shortcuts. Search functions have also been refined, allowing for a broad search across live TV, Netflix, YouTube, HBO GO and other video services. It will also recommend content similar to what you’ve already watched, a la Netflix’s recommendation engine. A new customized YouTube app will compliment the upcoming Google TV apps that will spring up on the Android Market.

The 3.1 Honeycomb update has been a long time coming, but Google TV users’ wait is almost over. Logitech appears ready to send their Revue set-top boxes to retail stores with the software pre-loaded, and developers are already working on Google TV apps via the expanded Android SDK. Google also mentioned that some much-needed new partner and device announcements would be coming in the next few months.

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Another Look At Google TV 2.0 Complete With Android Market

What do we have here? It’s yet another look at Google TV 2.0! These images appeared online today giving us another glimpse at a few of the new features coming along with Android 3.1. First and foremost we have the main attractions — the Android Market. You can see a few Google TV specific apps are already available like "QVC for Google TV."

The UI of Google TV 2.0 is definitely more streamlined and screams shades of Ice Cream Sandwich (even though the firmware is technically Android 3.1). As a Logitech Revue owner, I can’t say I remember seeing some of the features shown in these pics like being able to view all the movies currently playing on live TV (complete with time remaining). Pretty nifty.

Not sure what was up with the delay of Google TV 2.0 but I honestly cannot wait until Google releases the update. Unlike the previous version of Google TV that was in most cases, lets face it -- a total flop -- version 2.0 has the potential to be a real success. Apps, internet and live television? Sounds like a winning entertainment combination to me. What do you guys think?
[Via GTVSource]

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Final Google TV add-on is ready for Android SDK

While the loyal users of Google’s much-neglected Google TV platform wait patiently for Honeycomb, developers can finally begin work on apps in earnest. The finished version of the Google TV add-on for the Android SDK is available now, so that Android app makers can port their applications to Google TV. You can download the plug-in here.

Google TV is technically based on Android, but until now it still required its own specialized development tools. Once the Honeycomb update rolls out, general Android apps will run on Google TV with minimal modification to their code. Some apps will work right away, while others will require a little tweaking – that’s where the add-on for the Android SDK comes in. Apps will be able to use API calls for various TV-related activities, like displaying the channel guide. At this time a full-on emulator for Google TV (like the Android emulator that’s included in the full SDK) only works on Linux, but Windows and OS X support is coming in the future.
Users will be able to browse the Android Market for new apps once the Honeycomb update is pushed out, though it won’t be the same one we’re used to seeing. Google says that touchscreens will not be supported, so apps that require touchscreen interaction (i.e. 99.8% of them) won’t be displayed to Google TV users. Instead they’ll be shown only the apps that are verified to work with Google TV, either through developer tagging or Google’s direct featured apps list.
There’s still no word on when Honeycomb and the Android Market will make its way to end users.

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Google TV update rolling out today, Honeycomb coming soon

We have seen a few updates for Google TV in the recent past including a large update back in March. Yesterday @GoogleTV tweeted some exciting news for today, and for the future. A decently sized minor update is rolling out now and should be hitting Google TV devices over the next few days. Then they mention something major coming soon.

The important part about this seemingly innocent tweet is they mention a “bigger update” is coming soon in the weeks ahead. This, we all know will be Honeycomb. I guess we don’t “know” this will be Honeycomb but what else is major and coming soon. We’ve seen Honeycomb for Google TV leaked a few times and we mentioned the first major leak back in August, then last week a much better Honeycomb build was also leaked for the Logitech Revue.

What we don’t know is what devices will get this bigger update that they’ve mentioned is coming soon but most likely the Logitech Revue will be one of the first, if not the first device to get updated to Android Honeycomb for Google TV. We have also spotted a few Sony Google powered TV’s also running the update so it’s safe to assume they’ll be on the list too.
Exciting times for Google TV users, I can’t wait to see what Honeycomb and then Ice Cream Sandwich brings to the world of Android. Now might be a good time to go snag the Logitech Revue for just $99.
Bonus Video: Creepy Kevin Bacon





[via Twitter]

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Sony shows off Honeycomb Google TV

It looks like we’re going to get Honeycomb on our Google TV set-top boxes pretty soon. Over at the CEDIA event, Sony was demonstrating its Google TV hardware that has been updated with a near-release upgrade to Honeycomb. Judging by the pictures and video footage of the set-top box, there’s not much to see right now, but I guess we’ll have to get our hands on the final version of Honeycomb for Google TV before we can come to a conclusion.

The Google TV Honeycomb update was announced at the Google I/O event back in May and is expected to arrive on the Google TV Revue at the end of summer, so it shouldn’t be too long now. Head over to endgadget to check out more photographs a and a video of Google TV Honeycomb in action.

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Google TV Said to be Announced for the UK, Lands Within Six Months

It seems Google’s finally ready to get over this Google TV hump as Eric Schmidt is rumored to be announcing the service (and hopefully some hardware partners) for a UK launch within six months. Google TV’s launch here in the US hasn’t exactly been an easy one for Google.
It looked promising from the start, but a lack of support from television networks and applications (namely ones from the Android market) seemed to keep consumers at bay when considering units at retail. With Honeycomb/Ice Cream Sandwich coming, it should appeal to a lot more people one they see all the great things they’re enabled to do.
Internet TVs are great, and with the flexibility Google TV provides for OEMs, there’s a lot of excitement for it. Instead of an OEM having to deliver and maintain their own apps, Google TV provides a pool of developer-created apps and content, meaning the possibilities for OEMs’ users are almost endless. That’s an important factor when it comes down to marketing.
It seems Google’s happy with where Google TV is going and will be making a very big push, and that will especially be evident if a forthcoming announcement is indeed set to go down. Any of you UK folks jumping in once Google brings Google TV to your shores? [Daily Mail via EuroDroid]

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Google TV To Be Added To The Next Update of The Android SDK; Developers, Start Your Engines!

Google TV users will be happy to know that support for the platform is finally coming soon to the Android SDK. This will allow developers to unleash their apps on all Google TVs on the market, which in turn could help manufacturers eventually push more units given the renewed interest.

Since the Google TV Market announcement at Google I/O, the platform has had a lot of road bumps in both TV network and user adoption. However, since the SDK update will provide new APIs (such as channel line-ups),developers will have a wider array of tools to use while crafting applications.
These new options take the form of an add-on pack to the Android SDK, which interested parties can download here.
If you have a Logitech Revue and are interested in a leak of Honeycomb, we got you covered with a walkthrough from earlier this month. That build has fewer features (no Netflix!), but will give you an idea of what the Market environment will look like, and how it works.
Apps that are supported by Google TV will also show up in the Android Market, like they do for any other Android device. Certain apps, like those that require touchscreens, won't be able to be installed to the system.
I, for one, will watch for the development of new apps in earnest. I've always been curious about the potential of the platform, and perhaps these new possibilities are just what it needs.
Source: Android Developers

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