Google’s first attempt at creating a “TV-internet box” didn’t gain as much attention and success as it probably would of hoped for. However, Google is far from giving up on it. Its now decided to come back with a second generation of TV boxes at a cheaper price point of about $100.
So far Google already has partnerships with Vizio, Samsung, LG, Sony and Hisense for its “TV-internet boxes”. Both Hisense and Vizio are going to deliver $100 products, whilst the Samsung, LG and Sony versions will probably have a slightly higher price premium.
The second generation will bring an improved blending of broadcast TV and internet media experience which clearly wasn’t delivered the first time round. The Google TV box allows users to stream from places like Netflix and YouTube to an HDTV although Hulu remains unsupported still.
The long and short of it is, companies like Google, Vizio, Hisense, Samsung and the likes, are going to have to show the market why we should abandon our ambitions of HTPCs to get a “TV-Internet box” instead. Expect this concept to be the focus of most of the IFA event in Berlin.
