The Weekly Buzz: Google TV

There is without a doubt that Google wants to have its share in all the cool things around the net. So when they announced there new product called Google TV, I was not surprised.

The Buzz: The buzz around the net is online TV. With sites like Hulu and major networks offering shows online, it is no surprise that Apple and Google have jumped on the bandwagon to offer their products. I predict that cable companies will be out of business within 5 years if they don’t make some changes.

What is Google TV you ask? I am about to tell you… This is your definitive guide to Google TV.

What is it? Google TV is merging the internet with TV. For instance, you will be able to search for your favorite shows via the interface and watch them on your TV. Google TV will have a full internet browser so you can search youtube, check email and read the news.

How do I get it? Google TV will come preloaded on TV’s, similar to how Netflix is being loaded on to TV’s. The Logitech Revue is a device that will run Google TV as well. My guess is that cable boxes will begin to integrate Google TV in the near future… and they are crazy if they don’t.

How do I control it? Hopefully a keyboard and mouse will not be needed. A remote with a keypad on it would be ideal. Better yet being able to use your Iphone or Android phone would be a cool way to control it.

What about streaming media? It would be foolish if Google TV does not allow streaming from various other mediums. Being able to stream content from my computer via my xbox 360 is something I use everyday.

What about the competition? It seems like Google is trying to compete with Apple. Apple just released the newly designed Apple TV and not far behind Google announces the fall launch of Google TV. The Boxee Box is another product, which is slated for release in November of this year. I am assuming the price range for the Google TV will be around $99 since that is the price of Apple TV.

It will be interesting to see how this TV war plays out this Holiday season!

Are you planning on ditching cable and using one of these devices? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section.