Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) today announced its first content partners for its TV platform and released a website dedicated to its new service. It is apparent that Google has looked at the failures in the past, corrected mistakes, and is integrating itself even deeper into your life. If Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) watches, it may learn a thing or two.
Google said that Turner will be tailoring its content from TBS, TNT, CNN, Cartoon Network, and AdultSwim for Google TV. NBC will deliver the CNBC Real-Time application, HBO will offer "hundreds of hours of programming" via HBO Go, and the NBA will be rolling out the score tracker NBA Game Time.
Amazon's video demand service, Netflix, are also part of the deal and websites like The New York Times and USA Today, Vevo, Pandora, Napster, and Twitter are said to be optimizing their site for the platform. The first Google TV devices will launch later this month -- Sony connected TVs, Blu-ray players as well as Logitech's companion box.
It appears that Google is effectively translating the Android model on the smartphone to the TV platform. Especially when compared to the Apple TV, it shows its breadth and reach, while the Apple TV has the advantage -- and limitation -- of iTunes. Key Google TV services include search, Web browsing, apps from the company's upcoming Web store, the ability to use an Android phone as a remote, as well as integrated DVR functionality.
Conceivably, support for apps will be Google TV's biggest selling point. You can't just read articles on the Web or watch YouTube -- you can also play Flash games, which may translate Google TV into a very compelling casual game platform over time. Apple has missed this opportunity with its latest release of its Apple TV, but there may be jailbreakers who get Apple on the right path. Google TV is gaining traction and it appears that Google may be getting many things right Apple could not.
Looking at Google TV, some may be reminded of Windows Media Center as well as Intel Viiv; both approaches were limited to PCs and dedicated, set-top-style entertainment center PCs. Google is taking this concept to the TV and as far as we can tell, it looks promising.
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