Google, the top name in internet search functionality, and Samsung, the world’s number one television manufacturer, have combined forces to produce and release a line of Google TVs. Although Samsung has publicly announced that the final signatures on the deal with Google have not yet been added to the contract, all signs indicate that everything is a go and consumers can expect to be introduced to this new line of televisions at some point in 2012. These television sets will harness the power of the Google brand by enabling consumers to watch online videos and play video games via their TV. Although some televisions are already equipped with internet functionality, the addition of the Google brand name is certain to make this product seem more viable to a wider variety of consumers.
This foray into the world of television is not a first for Google; they dipped their toes into the marketplace via their own specialized network, entitled Google TV, which is currently available on select Sony and Logitech products. The addition of a Google backed network to the Logitech and Sony products was met with a mixed response, but Samsung is betting that an actual television set entitled Google TV will be met with a much more favorable, and profitable, response.
Samsung and Google have not yet announced a release date for their joint venture, nor have they released a large amount of information about the upcoming TV. Samsung did unveil a Google Blu-ray player at the last Consumer Electronics Show, indicating that the Google TV itself is only a portion of the overall marketing plan. As with the TV itself, however, information about exactly what sets the Google Blu-ray player apart from other Blu-ray players has not yet been released.
Based on the current Google TV network offerings, it can be assumed that the launch of the Google branded television sets will include several internet apps to increase the viewing experience. It is also a natural assumption that Google will be able to utilize the star power of its own name to bring exclusive internet videos and other content to the Google TV platform. Search engine functionality is a virtual certainty and could dramatically improve the current way that viewers search for different programming options. Although most cable providers include a basic on screen TV guide, Google would almost certainly offer an upgrade of this functionality.
Google TVs will also tap into the growing marketplace of viewers who are disconnecting their cable service in lieu of watching streaming content, such as the services offered by popular entertainment companies like Hulu and Netflix. Tech savvy individuals who crave a full and less cumbersome internet experience on their widescreen, high definition televisions will likely flock to a TV set which carries the Google name. When combined with Samsung, who is currently ranked as the most successful television manufacturer in the world, this new product sounds like a natural fit in an increasingly internet oriented world. If all goes well, Samsung’s involvement in this product may be just the thing to help them continue to lead the ranks of the overly bloated television production industry.
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Google TVs will also tap into the growing marketplace of viewers who are disconnecting their cable service in lieu of watching streaming content, such as the services offered by popular entertainment companies like Hulu and Netflix.