The first round of Google TV products have officially been unveiled. For now, there are three products that make use of the Android-based Google TV software: the Logitech Revue, a set-top box; the Sony Internet TV, an HDTV with the built-in OS; and the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player, a Blu-ray player with full Google TV support. Which device is the right one for you, if you want Google TV in your living room as soon as possible? That depends.
The Logitech Revue (slideshow below) was the first product launched, and is aimed at people who already have a TV in their living room but want the Google TV interface without the price tag of a whole new set.
The Revue is a $299.99 set-top box that can be connected to any HDTV, and brings all the features of Google TV to your living room. In addition, the Revue provides 720p-streaming video conferencing capability, the ability to stream media from your computer, and an app for Android and iOS that lets you control the Revue, and your TV, from your phone. The Revue is available for pre-order from Amazon and Best Buy, and will be shipping by the end of October.
For those already in the market for a new TV, the Sony Internet TV (slideshow below) is a 1080p LCD ranging from 24-42 inches and from $599.99-$1,399.99. It's got four HDMI ports and four USB ports, and with the operating system embedded will likely be the most seamless Google TV experience. It's expensive, though, and the TV itself isn't particularly special—the operating system is the highlight.
The Sony Internet TV is available for pre-sale now, will be in Sony stores this weekend, and will be in Best Buy starting the week of October 24.
Sony's surprise product from the Tuesday event in New York City was the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player, which is effectively a direct competitor to the Logitech Revue. The player uses Sony's PS3-inspired remote, which can be held in two hands, unlike the nearly-full-sized Logitech remote. It adds a Blu-ray player to the box, making for one fewer box in your living room. It doesn't have the apps or the video conferencing, but if you want Google TV without buying a TV, the addition of a Blu-ray player makes Sony's $399 offering a smart choice.
Like the Internet TV, the Blu-ray Player can be pre-ordered now, will be in Sony stores this weekend, and will show up in Best Buy stores starting the week of October 24.
No matter which device you choose, you'll get the exact same goodies from Google TV—a full browser powered by Google Chrome, apps like Netflix and Pandora, search across your TV and the Web (and your DVR, if you're a Dish subscriber), and the most computer-like experience you've ever had on your TV. If none of the available options suit your tastes, don't worry – this market's going to continue to heat up, and quickly.
The Logitech Revue (slideshow below) was the first product launched, and is aimed at people who already have a TV in their living room but want the Google TV interface without the price tag of a whole new set.
The Revue is a $299.99 set-top box that can be connected to any HDTV, and brings all the features of Google TV to your living room. In addition, the Revue provides 720p-streaming video conferencing capability, the ability to stream media from your computer, and an app for Android and iOS that lets you control the Revue, and your TV, from your phone. The Revue is available for pre-order from Amazon and Best Buy, and will be shipping by the end of October.
For those already in the market for a new TV, the Sony Internet TV (slideshow below) is a 1080p LCD ranging from 24-42 inches and from $599.99-$1,399.99. It's got four HDMI ports and four USB ports, and with the operating system embedded will likely be the most seamless Google TV experience. It's expensive, though, and the TV itself isn't particularly special—the operating system is the highlight.
The Sony Internet TV is available for pre-sale now, will be in Sony stores this weekend, and will be in Best Buy starting the week of October 24.
Sony's surprise product from the Tuesday event in New York City was the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player, which is effectively a direct competitor to the Logitech Revue. The player uses Sony's PS3-inspired remote, which can be held in two hands, unlike the nearly-full-sized Logitech remote. It adds a Blu-ray player to the box, making for one fewer box in your living room. It doesn't have the apps or the video conferencing, but if you want Google TV without buying a TV, the addition of a Blu-ray player makes Sony's $399 offering a smart choice.
Like the Internet TV, the Blu-ray Player can be pre-ordered now, will be in Sony stores this weekend, and will show up in Best Buy stores starting the week of October 24.
No matter which device you choose, you'll get the exact same goodies from Google TV—a full browser powered by Google Chrome, apps like Netflix and Pandora, search across your TV and the Web (and your DVR, if you're a Dish subscriber), and the most computer-like experience you've ever had on your TV. If none of the available options suit your tastes, don't worry – this market's going to continue to heat up, and quickly.
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