Sony Introduces Google Internet TV And Blu-ray Player
Yesterday, Google's biggest reveal at Google I/O was Google TV. It's still sort of a fuzzy product, and it's hard to aptly describe in just a few words. It's definitely aiming to be the "next big thing" in television, and the only way it will ever have a huge impact is to join up with known names in the industry in order to get into more homes. Teaming with DISH Network at first is a wise move, but there's no Google TV without an Intel CE4100 processor to run the custom Android app/Chrome browser. You can either buy a set-top box for this and connect it to your existing television, or you can get the functionality (and hardware) built right into your next TV. Sony hopes you'll go for the latter option.
We knew yesterday that Sony would be one of Google's launch partners, but basically no details were given at the conference about the future set. Today, Sony has come forward with their own press release regarding the launch, and there's plenty to get excited about. If you thought existing Web-connected HDTVs were stunning, this new "Sony Internet TV" aims to set the bar even higher. Sony has announced that this particular TV will come with all the necessary Google TV hardware within, so there's no additional boxes or wires to connect. Just plug in an Ethernet cable connected to the Web, and Google TV is ready at your fingertips.
There's also a smaller announcement being made by Sony on this topic, and that's a forthcoming Blu-ray player that will actually have the Google TV hardware within. This is a fantastic upgrade path for someone is happy with their existing television, yet has not made the jump to Blu-ray yet. You'd get Google TV + Blu-ray in one simple set-top box, rather than having to buy two. No details on the screen resolution or any pricing for either is yet being talked about, but Fall 2010 release dates have been posted on both.
We knew yesterday that Sony would be one of Google's launch partners, but basically no details were given at the conference about the future set. Today, Sony has come forward with their own press release regarding the launch, and there's plenty to get excited about. If you thought existing Web-connected HDTVs were stunning, this new "Sony Internet TV" aims to set the bar even higher. Sony has announced that this particular TV will come with all the necessary Google TV hardware within, so there's no additional boxes or wires to connect. Just plug in an Ethernet cable connected to the Web, and Google TV is ready at your fingertips.
There's also a smaller announcement being made by Sony on this topic, and that's a forthcoming Blu-ray player that will actually have the Google TV hardware within. This is a fantastic upgrade path for someone is happy with their existing television, yet has not made the jump to Blu-ray yet. You'd get Google TV + Blu-ray in one simple set-top box, rather than having to buy two. No details on the screen resolution or any pricing for either is yet being talked about, but Fall 2010 release dates have been posted on both.
Sony to Introduce 'Sony Internet TV'
World's First TV Incorporating 'Google TV' Platform, Delivering Unprecedented TV-Internet Integration
TOKYO, May 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Corporation (hereafter "Sony") today announced the launch of "Sony Internet TV," the world's first TV to be based on the "Google TV" platform announced by Google Inc. (hereafter "Google"), Sony, Intel Corporation and Logitech today at Google I/O in San Francisco. "Sony Internet TV " combines the future growth potential and accessibility of the Android-based open Google TV platform with Sony's industry-leading expertise from product development to marketing. "Sony Internet TV" is scheduled to first launch in the U.S. in the Fall of 2010, with the lineup featuring both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive.
As part of its ongoing efforts to introduce new business categories, Sony has proceeded to develop an "Evolving" TV that delivers new viewing styles exceeding conventional preconceptions, expandability through application downloads and other compelling features such as seamless operability and multitasking. "Sony Internet TV" realizes this vision, and is a new generation of TV that not only offers new forms of TV enjoyment through unprecedented Internet integration, but is also able to "evolve" through the download of applications. By leveraging the flexibility and growth potential of Google TV platform, Sony will be able to provide consumers with easy access to a range of rich and attractive content.
As the range of new internet content and services continues to grow and diversify, Sony's development of an "Evolving" TV will enable it to deliver this world of internet-based entertainment directly into consumers' living rooms. Furthermore, Sony will continue to apply its wealth of display technology expertise to create ever more compelling and attractive TV products.
