LG mulling Google TV, leery of being hardware-only
updated 09:10 am EDT, Mon July 12, 2010
LG likes Google TV but wants to be involved
LG is considering developing sets using Google TV but is afraid of being cut out of the software equation, the company's Home Entertainment chief Simon Kang said in an interview [reg. required]. He acknowledged that the Android platform could make for "strong interest" but that it wasn't certain as the software could up overriding any of LG's own efforts. The Korean company has prided itself on its custom Netcast software, which among other things brings 720p Skype video chats.
"Google may one day dominate the software space and we don't want to end up as just a hardware provider," Kang told Dow Jones.
So far, only Sony has committed to making TVs based on Google TV. All other devices, such as the Logitech Revue, have been set-top boxes or other equipment that would attach afterwards. While the existing partnerships are significant, the lack of broad support from other TV builders may create an uphill struggle for Google.
The situation may be compounded by the risk of a "double dip" recession that slows demand a second time. Kang warned that LG might not sell as many TVs as expected and might even have to raise prices to compensate for reduced demand.
