TBS and TNT Google TV apps need existing cable

Turner has confirmed that it has Google TV apps for TBS and TNT in development but which will be limited. Following premature appearances on Android Market, a representative told GigaOM that both apps will require that viewers sign in with an account linked to traditional TV service to watch video. Authentication has been common on mobile apps but hasn't shown up on TV through the lack of third-party apps.

When the apps will arrive isn't clear. Google plans to release its Android 3-based revamp of Google TV in the fall and could see Turner post its apps virtually as soon as the platform is ready.

Google has spun the authentication positively and said it could "bring more content to users," according to a representative.

Apps of the kind may be vital to getting any mainstream web TV on Google TV boxes and could lead Google to endorse authentication deals it would otherwise be indifferent to or downplay. Many if not most TV studios blocked Google TV from their pages as they thought that seeing web video on TV would encourage users to drop the cable and satellite TV services that determine their ad revenue. As Google TV currently has just a handful of pre-selected third-party apps, the boxes have been rendered mostly useless for watching major network content.

Partly as a consequence of the limited apps and choices, Google TV device sales have been poor. Logitech saw sales so low that dealers were returning more Revue boxes than Logitech was shipping, and it had to cut the Revue to $99 and take a financial hit to heal sales.

By Electronista Staff