Google has confirmed that its new Google TV service will go live in the US this autumn, with a global launch due to take place next year.
The aim of Google TV, which was originally unveiled back in May, is to combine the best bits of internet content with traditional TV broadcasting to give viewers a more integrated experience.
The free service will allow users to watch programmes and access the internet through their TV set, with Google relying on TV studios and production companies for content.
According to The Telegraph, Sony has already reached an agreement with Google to embed the new service in to its TV sets, while Samsung may look to strike a similar deal.
Google TV will further expand Google’s range of online services, but this may not be the only motivating factor for the iconic search engine. Marketing plays a key role in Google’s strategy, and Google TV could allow the company to get a slice of the £117bn global TV advertising market.
The impending launch of Google TV has led to some speculation that Google may look to move into the content production business. Chief executive Eric Schmidt has not categorically ruled this out, but doubts that such a move will materialise.
“We will work with content providers but it is very unlikely that we will get into actual content production,” The Guardian quoted Schmidt as saying.
Related posts:
