Google TV rehash to focus on CPU, UI, apps

Allusions to an upcoming Google TV revamp were supported Friday afternoon by a rumor of what the refresh entails. The at times slow platform should get faster with a new chipset, presumably a newer Atom. SAI also understood from its source it would involve the long-delayed third-party app support and a better experience, although the definition of this wasn't given.

The proclaimed insider believed the update gave Google TV "a lot more potential" and saw Android-based platforms like this getting an "explosion" of video content in the near future. Some of that faith was based on the existence of Android 3.0 tablets as well as the options that could come from app support.

Google TV had been launched in the fall under the assumption that Google's successes in search and in Android would translate to TV media hubs. It was designed to treat web video and TV as equals and turn up searches for both while coming with a handful of curated apps. The platform has so far flopped in the market, in part because of the lack of apps but also of widespread site blocking from TV studios that mostly wiped out the advantage.

Many expect Google to talk about Google TV next month at its Google I/O conference in mid-May with an aim to launching it in the fall. Arguments have surfaced that more manufacturers are coming and were told to wait several months.

In the meantime, Apple has so far been leading in the currently low-volume media hub arena. Sales of the Apple TV cracked one million in December and are known to be well ahead of what Logitech and Sony have managed with Google so far.

By Electronista Staff