The long-rumoured and now reality Google TV is finally at the stage where Google is comfortable releasing specific details on how the service will work.
Google's latest Youtube video (below) shows how Google TV will manage your digital recordings and merge this functionality with a Web browser. At the core of the system will be Google search, which will allow users to find specific TV shows, movies and web content in the same search window.
Google has confirmed that the device will come pre-built in some TVs - Sony is a key partner in Google TV development - or via a separate set top box. The box itself will likely feature Intel's low cost, low heat, Atom CPU.
Using the main search bar on the TV, you can search for channels and pre-recorded shows, in the same way you might use a PC to search for files. Google are pushing the idea that you'll use the system for games, photos and music.
A custom home screen allows users to define their favourite TV channels and other content in the same way you might custom fit your Google web apps on your homepage. To its credit, the tidy interface is typical of Google's minimalist design style, and reminds us of the Chrome browser. However, Google is yet to provide more detail on how TV content will be recorded, whether the box will ship with a hard disk and if it will work with other IPTV devices such as Fetch TV and more recently, Telstra's T-Box.
According to the video, Google TV is expected to release during the September to November quarter this year in the US.
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