Can Web surfing unite with channel surfing on televisions? Google thinks so, and it is partnering with Sony, Intel and Logitech to explore what it calls a “smart” TV. Imagine speaking into a remote and seeing your page or show pop up onto your screen!
The vision is to turn televisions into computer monitors for surfing the internet. About 5,000 people gathered at a news conference today so Google could demonstrate, and you can read about it here. In fact this new technology is already slated for sale in the fall, but the question remains on how much you would expect to pay.
Sony will make the TVs using microprocessors from Intel, while Google will provide the software and Logitech the special remote and wireless keyboard.
Check out the Google TV video the company launched today to promote their product, and you’ll get a good idea about how the companies are aligning expectations: