This Is Google TV's Biggest Weakness

By Anders Bylund | More Articles
October 7, 2010 | Comments (6)

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There is no doubt in my mind that Google (Nasdaq: GOOG ) is about to revolutionize the TV watching experience with the Google TV line of connected TV sets and set-top boxes. By bringing the power of the Internet to your big-screen entertainment center, the idiot box suddenly becomes smart.

Unfortunately, somebody should have told Sony (NYSE: SNE ) that Google TV is supposed to be easy to use. Thanks to an ABC Nightline segment shot inside the Googleplex, we know what the remote control looks like for the first wave of Sony's Google TV sets -- and it's not pretty. Quick, hide the children:

This monstrosity brings together all the worst bits of a bad video game controller and a clumsy computer keyboard. Perhaps Sony intends to publish video games through this channel, playable only through this crazy thing? Even so, there is no excuse for bad design like this when your smartphone can provide both a keyboard and complex controls without confusing the cat.

Then again, Sony was never a master of user-friendly operation, right? Surely the other major launch partner can improve on the design -- it is, after all, user interface expert Logitech International (Nasdaq: LOGI ) . Unfortunately, nobody at Logitech got that usability memo, either. The Logitech Revue remote looks like a wireless keyboard for desktop computers more than anything else, and remains a far cry from the simplicity of your average TV remote -- or the ultra-simple clicker that ships with the Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL ) TV box. If Apple has any advantage over Google in the TV battle, it's the beauty and user-friendly operation of its remote control.

Until someone comes up with a sleeker remote, the best input option for a Google TV setup seems to be your Android phone. Logitech needs to get its A-game on, and unless the whole package absolutely tanks in terms of sales, I hope to see stronger design teams stepping up to fill this obvious gap in the Google TV experience. Phillips (NYSE: PHG ) springs to mind, as does Samsung. A cottage industry might erupt around building a better remote for Google TV. In the meantime, Google's partners or Google itself need to poach some designer talent from Apple (hey, cold-calling is A-OK), Bose, or Bang & Olufsen.

This ugly mess is not acceptable if Google is serious about the living-room opportunity. Let the vitriol fly in the comments below.

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Fool contributor Anders Bylund holds no position in any of the companies discussed here. Google is a Motley Fool Inside Value pick. Google is a Motley Fool Rule Breakers choice. Apple is a Motley Fool Stock Advisor selection. Logitech International SA is a Motley Fool Hidden Gems selection. Motley Fool Options has recommended a write covered strangle position on Logitech International SA. The Fool owns shares of Apple, Google, and Logitech International SA. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.

True to its name, The Motley Fool is made up of a motley assortment of writers and analysts, each with a unique perspective; sometimes we agree, sometimes we disagree, but we all believe in the power of learning from each other through our Foolish community. You can check out Anders' holdings and a concise bio if you like, and The Motley Fool is investors writing for investors.

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Report this Comment On October 07, 2010, at 4:30 PM, gslusher wrote:

Perhaps one reason that the controllers are so complex is that Google TV is essentially a web browser, so you need a keyboard to use it. That will be a major turnoff to many people, I expect. Steve Jobs has said--and is probably correct--that most people don't want a "computer" on their TV set. If they did, they could get a desktop computer (including a Mac Mini) and hook it to the TV with a Bluetooth keyboard and trackball/trackpad. The Apple TV is a completely different animal.
Report this Comment On October 07, 2010, at 4:53 PM, khaledmrd wrote:

Logitech Strengths is that it worked with Google from the start to put the Hardware / Accessories standards so for Example the Logitech wireless Keyboard/remote bundled with the Revue sells seperate to be used with other Google TV devices like the Sony TV, also other accessories Logitech will be standards, that what the logitech CEO said.
it is about accessories for the company and the Smart TV Space.
Logitech excelled before in many spaces and the Smart TV is a Mega opportunity
still there is 60M HD TV in the US that may need a Revue and don't want to buy another TV and offcourse in 2011 Europe
Report this Comment On October 07, 2010, at 9:51 PM, alexkhan2000 wrote:

Tech companies just have a real tough time understanding the average Joe (or Jane) consumer, don't they? I consider myself an average Joe who's still moderately more tech-savvy than other average Joe's. I've been using both Macs and Windows since the late-90's and am fairly proficient getting around on both platforms and setting things up.
But even I have no interest in surfing the web and doing searches and reading news sites on an HDTV in the living room. And I certainly don't want a keyboard on the coffee table with my tech-phobe wife and little kids running around. Deal with porn pop-ups on my big-screen TV? Read the New York Times from across the living room?
No, I don't want the web on my TV. Accessing movies, TV shows, and apps (mainly games) tailored for the TV is fine. But I'm webbed out by the end of the day when I sit down on the couch with the family. One can just go to the PC or Mac or the iPad or the iPhone or Android phone to search something on the web. Why would you also want to do that on a TV?
Report this Comment On October 07, 2010, at 9:54 PM, alexkhan2000 wrote:

I meant to say I've been using both Macs and Windows since the late-80's (90's) before the advent of the web. It really seems like ages ago that I actually used DOS and typed command lines!
Report this Comment On October 08, 2010, at 11:50 AM, TMFMarlowe wrote:

If I want to surf the web while sitting in the living room I'll use a laptop -- or an iPad. Nobody wants to watch someone *else* surf the web, and what else would be the point of putting it on the TV?
John Rosevear
Report this Comment On October 10, 2010, at 10:02 AM, oldfart139 wrote:

My TV can be used as a computer monitor - I have been viewing all computer output on my 60" Mitsubishi for over a year now. and it is just great, even for email. Hulu is perfect on the large screen, and using a cordless keyboard and mouse in the living room is no big deal. I see no point in either Google TV or Apple TV.

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