Google TV – Finally, this is what I’ve been boring people about for years

I’ve transcribed the voiceover from this video, below. Apart from the hype, it gives a pretty good introduction to what internet/TV convergence will start to look like.

I’ve been banging on about this for so long that you’ll have to forgive my teenage excitement about it. I was expecting this kind of device to have arrived in a big way by 2007/8. Most of it is not much more advanced than your TiVo, Sky+ or Microsoft system – but instead of their horrible clunky interfaces, this looks well thought out, with full search and web access, and a properly integrated browser. If only Apple had made their AppleTV more like this three years ago. I’m still not sure why they didn’t.

It’s long been my opinion that the way people really want to experience entertainment is on their couch, rather than on their laptops and at their desk. But I’ve found, when enthusing about this stuff over the years, that some people have had trouble imagining using the web on their TV from their couch – particularly because they’re confused about how they’ll control it. With a keyboard and mouse? A really big remote control? A Wii wand?

No doubt we’ll have to wait another pointlessly long time before internet TV systems start using the new motion-sensing videogame control systems.

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Text of Google TV video:

Google TV is a new product that seamlessly combines your TV, DVR recordings and the entire internet.
Some new TVs will come with it preinstalled – or you can get a separate box for the TV you already own.

So how does it work?
Well, start with the same TV you know and love.
Now add the ability to search for and tune to channels.
And search for and tune to individual shows.
You can also find shows to record.
And easily access any programmes you’ve already recorded and saved.

Google TV also has a built in web browser, which means that the entertainment options you can search for, record and save now include the entire incredible breadth of content that’s available today across the web – and of course your favourite online videos.

Now with Google TV, there’s always something good on – and there’s always interesting new content to find.

Combining the web and TV means doing things you could never do before, like check your fantasy team’s stats right on the same screen while you’re watching a game – or see what people are saying about today’s latest news even as you’re watching it happening.

Your television isn’t just about video any more. It’s a complete entertainment device, where you can access your photos, music, favourite games and many of the 50,000 apps available today from Android market.

Finally, Google TV let’s you personalize your television experience with the custom home screen, where you can easily edit and access your favourite channels, shows, and websites.

Learn more at google.com/tv