The Early Verdict on Google TV

Television meets search engine with Google TV. The Android powered device lets you seamlessly search across channels, applications, and the entire web. It integrates with cable boxes and has even tighter integration with DISH Network. Just like a phone, applications can be installed on to the device. Although early reports are that currently there are slim pickings in the Google TV app market. The device can be controlled by an Android phone, has web browsing capabilities, and also has a customizable home screen for quick access to your favorite shows and web sites. Of course it has access to Netflix, Amazon Video On Demand, and Youtube. Currently the big networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) are actively blocking their content. Presumably so they can build their own applications for the device (or maybe they are just greedy). The early overall reviews for the device have not been so stellar. There are reports that it takes too long to configure, the interface is spotty, and the integration with cable boxes leaves a lot to be desired. Some say the device is just plain pokey, being slowed downed by resource hungry Flash. The general consensus is that it feels like a 1.0 version, good potential but coming up short. There's no doubt that with tighter integration with cable boxes and more work on the user interface, along with major networks eventually unlocking their content, Google TV just may find its way into many living rooms. But for now the consensus is to wait, see, and spend half as much money on a Roku or Apple device.