"9 to 5 and 5 to 9
Ain't gonna take it, it's our time
We want the world and we want it now
We're gonna take it anyhow
We want the airwaves
We want the airwaves
We want the airwaves, baby..."
-- The Ramones
As it turns out, the Ramones aren't the only ones who "want the airwaves." Google
What Google wants
What Google wants, in a word, is "convergence." Announcing the introduction of Google TV to the continent, Schmidt argued persuasively that "the Internet is fundamental to the future of television for one simple reason: because it's what people want."
People watching a television show and seeing a familiar face ask, "What movie did I see that actor in?" -- and they want to get the answer immediately from their web-enabled telly. When they see Lada Gaga on stage at the MTV video awards, they ask, "Hey! Where can I buy a meat dress?" and want to check Amazon.com right there and then to see if they can get free shipping with Prime. Google TV, Schmidt argues, was invented specifically to satisfy these desires.
By all accounts, Schmidt allayed few concerns with his speech. British TV execs who've seen CBS
Problem is, they may not have much choice. Last week, we talked about perhaps the least talked-about aspect of Google's bid to acquire Motorola Mobility
Will Google TV have more success in Europe than in the U.S.? Add it to your watchlist and find out.