Are You Smarter Than your TV? Google and Logitech Try to Help

Google, which has already conquered the PC and the Internet , made its foray into your TV by helping award winning accessory maker Logitech and chip giant Intel Corp. launch Google TV. The new set top box and keyboard combo goes beyond TV makers’ limited access Internet content by proving a plethora of open source Internet content similar to the fast selling android phone.

The set top box uses a Google browser to access almost any Internet material, but can do this simultaneously with the consumers TV watching. In fact the Logitech wireless remote keyboard can switch back and forth between your TV, DVR, stereo, TiVo and video game system.

While TiVo, Play Station 3, and VuDu offer limited features like Pandora music service, YouTube and ESPN Zone, Google TV literally give the consumer access to 50,000 applications. Sony, which will launch their version of Google TV next week has the Google TV built into its newest HDTV sets, the Logitech Revue will work with almost any TV set, cable or satellite box or AV receiver on the market.

Available accessories will include a TV styled web cam which when used with Logitech VID HD software(free download) can deliver living room video calling in HD without a computer. Logitech Revue has a feature that allows you to watch TV together with friends or family while on a free video call.
The Web TV Cam is $149 and a Logitech mini controller is $129
Priced from $299.99 Logitech Revue with Google TV will be available in a few weeks at many major retailers. There are already free Apps that let you control your Logitech Revue from your Android and iPhone.

At launch, the box will come loaded with YouTube, Google Gallery picture viewing, Netflix, Twitter, Pandora, NBA, CNBC and Dish. A company spokeswoman says there are 1,000s of Apps due soon.