Confirming earlier reports, Google has officially announced its Android-powered TV platform today at the I/O conference in San Francisco. The new product will combine traditional television programming with Internet video, allowing users to easily search for programs without scrolling through cumbersome onscreen TV directories.
Users can use their remote to drop down a "quick search box" to search TV and the web. For instance, typing "House" will give you the listings for the show on both USA and Fox -- which can be set for recording if there is a DVR -- as well as links to watch episodes online via Hulu or purchase them on Amazon.com. Besides supporting a number of online video sources, including Netflix and YouTube, Google TV will also have the capability to run apps from the Android Market and should integrate a range of online services like Twitter for a more social television experience.
To reach the long-elusive goal of bringing television and the web together, Google has partnered with Sony, Intel and Logitech to produce the actual devices that will run its platform. Sony is expected to introduce both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive later this year, while Logitech will launch a high definition camera for video chat and a companion box that brings Google TV to existing HDTV home entertainment systems. The Intel Atom CE4100 processor will power both the Logitech and Sony devices
