My Cart - Google is preparing to attack the UK television market, with the launch of its first product which allows users to surf the internet, watch videos and play games on their TVs. From manufacturers Sony, the NS7-GS7 will be the first Google TV device available outside the US, offering customers full access to the Google Chrome browser.
Available to pre-order now, the set top box will be released on the 16th of July.
By syncing the box up to your TV, consumers will be able to access web pages and YouTube via a remote that has a touch pad on one side and a full QWERTY keyboard on the other. The remote also has a built in microphone allowing the use of your voice to search the internet and also supports motion support.
The box can also be controlled by android powered devices, such as smart phones and tablets. The set top box will be priced between £200-£300 and will integrate websites and social media sites such as Twitter, iPlayer , YouTube and Facebook.
Nearly a million net connected TVs were sold in 2010, the latest figures available, but it is unclear how many LED TVs are actually connected to the internet. The living room is shaping up to be the latest battleground for internet companies. Manufacturers such as Samsung have been creating their own versions by the inclusion of smart features in TVs, but the Google box is set to bring internet connectivity to people without the need to upgrade television sets.
There will be a more expensive version available in October, featuring an integrated Blu-ray player. One of the advantages of the Google box is the fact that it operates on the android system, which is already used across phones, tablets and web browsers. The price has been a questionable issue, at twice the price of Apple’s current internet TV set top box.
“It’s a very difficult challenge to explain to a consumer what they’re buying when it’s in a stand-alone set-top box, and at £200 this is an expensive product,” said Geoff Blaber, director of devices and platforms at CCS Insight.”
After an unsuccessful launch in the US a few years ago, Google are hoping for a better reception in the UK. As they have had the chance to iron out any wrinkles, the launch in the UK should be a bigger success, but only time will tell.
