As posted earlier today, Google has launched their official Google TV website showcasing all that their new television platform has to offer. Well... All except one thing.
At launch, Google TV will be available through two mediums. One is through TVs that come with the service pre-loaded. Sony, for example, is on-board with the project. The second, is through a companion box. Logitech"s Revue is the first of its kind and promises to provide the "future of TV."
So what"s so special about the Revue? The product details page on Logitech"s site gives us a bit of insight:
Q: What’s the big deal?
A: First of all, it’s Google TV – so you get seamless search and access to content anywhere on the Web, from your satellite or cable provider, even some compatible DVRs. Secondly, our companion box has our Logitech Harmony® technology built in – so you’ll have integration with your home-entertainment system. Third – we’ll be making a variety of options available right away, including video calling and a variety of controllers – even a Logitech smart-phone app -- and even more stuff we can’t talk about.
Video chat.
From your very own living room couch, you will soon be able to Skype (we assume they"ll get on board) with the world. It"s hard convincing someone that they need another box to plug into their TV. However, adding the functionality of video communication with your friends and family can entice even the most reserved folk. It"s unclear if this functionality is unique to Logitech or if the same power will be available to all Google TV enabled devices. However, considering Google TV"s future tie to the Android Market, it"s pretty safe to say that it"ll be part of the platform itself. We know that Skype is already planning video chat for Android devices, so logic would ensue.