Google TV Coming To U.K.

Google TV may not have been a success in the U.S., with Apple TV outperforming it every step of the way, but that isn’t stopping Google from planning its next move. And it’s one that will see them hop across the Atlantic to arrive on the doorsteps of the British public.

According to Eric Schmidt, speaking in his keynote at the Edinburgh Television Festival, Google TV will launch in Europe in the next six months, and the search and advertising giant is already in talks with British broadcasters.

This is a necessary step if Google is going to avoid experiencing the same problems in the U.K. and Europe as it has in the United States. The major U.S. networks have all blocked their content from streaming through Google TV, proving their desire to remain in control but also their unwillingness to stare the future in the face.

Google TV Future…

Google, however, is looking to the future, and Schmidt claims that early failure (as perceived from the outside) will now prevent the company from moving forward with its plans. According to Reuters, he is confident that more partners will join the existing ones, saying:

“We’re absolutely committed to staying, to improving Google TV. I believe that they’re both [Sony and Logitech] going to be on board and I believe there are many more coming. Wait shortly for an announcement.”

The message is clear: Google isn’t going to kill Google TV off anytime soon. In the same way that Apple is viewing Apple TV as a hobby for the time being, knowing that its day will surely come, so Google is confident that connected-TV platforms are the future, and it needs to be involved.

Conclusions

There is a longterm battle shaping up here, not only between Google and Apple, but also between dozens of other smaller players all building their own connected-TV platforms. We won’t know who is going to win until the TV networks start playing nice, but Google is clearly not going down without a fight.

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Xbox LIVE Diamond

Microsoft is being heavily tipped to unveil a new Xbox LIVE television service at the E3 Expo next week. Named Xbox LIVE Diamond (codename Orapa), the TV service would add even more video content to the bestselling games console which is already bulging with video content.

According to WinRumors, Microsoft is busy getting the final partners in place before making the big announcement. Orapa would be a monthly subscription service which would cost money on top of what Xbox 360 owners are already paying for the privilege of going online using their consoles.

Console TV Service

It’s unclear at this point exactly what form Xbox LIVE Diamond will take because the service is shrouded in secrecy and its existence is only based on rumor and speculation. The Diamond name suggests an added layer of features above what is currently available, with the paid plan currently known as Xbox LIVE Gold. And everyone knows Diamond is better than Gold.

It could be that the service is intended purely as a Mediaroom client, giving cable subscribers another device capable of streaming programming, or it could be that the service will be much, much more than that and effectively turn Microsoft into a TV provider in its own right. Or anything in between these two extremes.

Conclusions

This rumor is so strong I can only assume it’s based in reality. There have actually been rumors of a similar nature for months, so all eyes will be on E3 2011 next week waiting for this announcement.

Microsoft claims 40 percent of activity undertaken on the Xbox 360 is non-gaming, which would suggest there will be a lot of demand for this type of service. Games consoles are increasingly becoming living room entertainment hubs, and this will be another step in that direction.

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Google TV

Google TV has been with us for almost a year now, but its first incarnation was never going to the best or final version. As is Google’s way, the company releases a product and then beavers away improving it with subsequent releases.

This is exactly the treatment Google TV has been rewarded with. There were strong rumors that the improvements would be displayed in brief at Google I/O this week, and that has indeed turned out to be the case.

Although it’s far from being a complete unveiling, it is at least something. And the screenshots are kinda hot, in a very geeky way.

Google TV Update

Google unveiled the new user interface for Google TV at Google I/O on Wednesday (May 11). NewTeeVee nabbed some screenshots which certainly show the UI has been vastly improved over the past year.

Simplicity is key, with Google having sought to remove all the extraneous steps unnecessary features to make the user experience a lot better. Simply put, the installed apps are available to select along the bottom of the screen while the current video continues to play above.

The new UI, which is being released on Android 3.1 (Honeycomb), also features an improved search capability and the Android Market. This will bring a huge selection of apps to Google TV and make it a much more appealing purchase than it currently is.

Conclusions

I’m impressed by these changes, and there are clearly more to come. The question is whether they will be enough to persuade the online video-viewing public to buy into the product. Because so far they haven’t in any great number.

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Google TV 1.0 to 2.0

After months of rumors Google TV was finally unveiled a year ago, in May 2010. Using its own Android operating system and Chrome Web browser, and partnering with several hardware manufacturers, Google was hoping to control the future of Web television.

Things didn’t quite pan out that way. Content partners weren’t convinced, and nor were reviewers. And sales of the Logitech set-top box couldn’t match the hype or ambition. Even the new Apple TV did better than Google TV.

There was speculation last week that Google would be seeking to reboot Google TV, and Ina Fried at All Things Digital claims v2.0 is definitely on its way. It’ll likely be shown in brief at the Google I/O conference next week and be ready for release before the holiday season.

Cha-cha-cha-Changes

The big question is what Google needs to do to turn Google TV from an also-ran into a must-buy?

Improving the hardware will be a must, as will removing the various technical issues that bugged users. The keyboard should probably go, to be replaced with a less-clunky way of interacting with the software.

The whole experience of using Google TV needs to be made much more user-friendly, and the promised “TV-centric version of the Android Market” with lots of third-party apps will help shake things up immensely.

That just leaves content, which is wholly reliant on the big networks and online video content providers such as Hulu coming on board rather than shutting up shop and blocking the platform as it has done so far. That’s a huge problem, one which Google will struggle to solve anytime soon.

Conclusions

There are certain things Google can and likely will do to improve Google TV in the eyes of consumers, manufacturers, and the networks. But the problem the company faces is it’s not completely in control of its own destiny.

Like the rest of the connected TV platforms that are here or are emerging, Google TV needs content to make it worthwhile. And that isn’t something that is easy to come by, at least without paying for the privilege.

TiVo has emerged victorious, with Dish and EchoStar paying $500 million to end all ongoing patent litigation.

TiVo Vs. Dish, Echostar

In 2004 TiVo, then on the up and up, sued EchoStar (which owned Dish at the time) over its DVR patents for ‘multimedia time warping’. TiVo won the case in 2006, but thanks to endless appeals the case kept trudging on.

TiVo won every appeal possible, and in April 2010 a judge ruled that the two companies would not only have to pay damages but also cease their services. It’s taken another year for a settlement to be reached but that has now finally happened. To the relief of everyone concerned, I’m sure.

Final Settlement

The final settlement sees Dish and EchoStar paying TiVo $300 million up front with another $200 million due in six annual payments between 2012 and 2017. This closes out all pending litigation and injunctions on both sides.

TiVo has also licensed its DVR patents to Dish and EchoStar for their remaining lives, ensuring the latter two can remain in business.

Thus begins a love-in between the companies, with TiVo promising to help Dish promote its new Blockbuster digital video service, coming after Dish acquired the assets of the former market leader in video rentals.

Dish CEO Charlie Ergen said:

“We are excited to work with TiVo to help develop our Blockbuster video service. Resolving the patent infringement case allows us to further engage with TiVo on a variety of exciting strategic initiatives, like Blockbuster, where we are uniquely positioned to collaborate.”

Conclusions

You have to wonder whether all of this was worth it in the end. Technology evolves so rapidly these days that what seems cutting-edge today will be old-fashioned tomorrow.

TiVo peaked in January 2007 when it boasted 4.4 million subscribers. It now has just 2 million, with the numbers having more than halved over the last four years. Mainly because online video now fills that void.

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Connected TV Market

The connected TV market is an increasingly crowded one, and in such a crowded market there will inevitably be winners and losers.

With such big names trying to stamp their authority on the sector – Apple, Google, Boxee, Logitech – you’d imagine a company such as Roku would struggle to compete, but in fact, things have gone from strength to strength for the young upstart.

After having shifted 1 million devices between 2008 and 2010, Roku is now setting off on the next leg of its tour up the greasy pole of consumerism, with a position on the shelves of Best Buy, the primary electronics retail store in much of the United States.

Roku Goes Retail At Best Buy and Beyond

The Roku Box has so far only been available to buy online, either through the dedicated Roku.com website, or through retailers such as Amazon.com. But thanks to a deal with Best Buy and other companies, the Roku Box will now be a presence in a physical retail location.

Anthony Wood, founder and CEO of Roku, said in a statement:

“Having sold over 1 million Roku players through online sales only up until now, we are incredibly excited to announce our entrance into brick and mortar retail with nationwide availability from the preeminent consumer electronics retailer. Customers can now grab a Roku off the shelf at Best Buy, take it home and be up and running, enjoying their favorite TV show, movie, music or sports team in just a matter of minutes.”

The current line-up of Roku boxes is the Roku XDS for $99, the Roku XD for $79, and the Roku HD for just $59. The Roku XD is the model that you’ll find on the shelves at Best Buy as well as BJ’s Wholesale Club, Fry’s Electronics, and RadioShack.

Conclusions

This could help Roku immensely. Being available to buy online is all well and good, but it requires someone knowing about a product and seeking it out in order to make a purchase. Being available at Best Buy means the Roku XD could become an impulse buy for anyone keen on the idea. I’m guessing the next 1 million sales will come quicker than the first.

[Via PC World]

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YouView

YouView is the connect TV platform and associated set-top box which was born at the BBC from the ashes of Project Kangaroo. Kangaroo was a joint venture between the main British television networks which would have seen their catch-up services rolled into one. It was killed off by the Competition Commission after complaints from rival broadcasters Virgin Media and BSkyB.

Those same companies also raised objections over YouView, but failed in their bid to see the project halted. And now one of them seems interested in coming on board…

BSkyB On Board?

Richard Halton, YouView CEO, announced the list of media companies which have expressed an interest in having their content delivered via the YouView set-top box. And amongst the 16 which includes LoveFilm, Film4oD, and Blinkx, is one BSkyB.

A Sky spokesman said:

“We already distribute Sky content across a wide range of platforms. It makes sense for us to continue to explore new ways of reaching customers, but it’s too early to say at this stage whether we’ll offer a service over YouView.”

In other words we’re hedging our bets, expressing an interest without actually committing to be a part of YouView. Talk about wanting to have your cake and eat it.

Conclusions

I guess on this occasion the old adage of keeping your friends close and your enemies closer rings true. If BSkyB wants to be a part of YouView then it will at least mean they stop bitching about the project from the sidelines, and that has to be a good thing.

As for YouView as a whole, timing is going to be crucial, and I fear by the time the platform and the set-top box arrives it’ll be too little, too late. Even with Lord Sugar (Alan) on board.

[Via The Telegraph]

YouView

YouView began life as Project Canvas, which emerged from the ashes of Project Kangaroo. YouView evolved into a connected-TV platform from partners such as the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, TalkTalk, BT, and Arqiva.

YouView will be a platform which combines the existing Freeview with a host of catchup and TV on-demand features. In other words, it’ll be a catch-all providing both new and old programming and a lot more besides.

That is if it ever actually makes an appearance.

Delayed To 2012

It was rumored in January that YouView had been delayed until 2012, and that was confirmed this week. The reasons for the delay are cited as “technical problems and rumored discord between the partners”.

That is the one problem with having so many partners involved. Everyone has to agree on the specs before production can move forward, and it takes time to continually debate the best way to proceed.

The timescale for release now on the table is “a product in trial by the end of this year, with a full consumer launch planned in early 2012.” The BBC and its partners are clearly trying to get the product right before launching it, but there’s a risk involved in delaying it by this length of time.

Dead Or Wounded?

The question now is whether this delay until 2012 (or longer) will kill YouView stone dead. The fear is that with technology continually moving forward at a fast pace (particularly in this sector) that YouView could be obsolete by the time it actually launches.

However, an opposing viewpoint is that connected TV platforms will be much more mainstream by the time YouView launches, giving it an incredible opportunity to be the product of choice for those who want a brand and a device they can trust. The BBC name still holds some weight, after all.

YouView

YouView is what Project Canvas used to be: an attempt to create a new connected-TV platform with partners including the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, TalkTalk, BT, Arqiva, and Channel 5 pooling their resources to make it happen.

However, the problems are mounting. First, and totally unsurprisingly, BSkyB and Virgin Media raised objections to the platform, and now comes news of an enforced delay which could see YouView not appearing until the middle of next year.

Not Until 2012?

According to the Telegraph newspaper, it’s looking unlikely that YouView will be available by the start of the 2012 Olympics, mainly due to a failure to “agree technical standards with a key TV industry body [Digital TV Group] and function properly when tested.”

The BBC will have spent £6 million on the project by this April, with all the various partners sharing the total cost of £115 over the first four years.

The CEO of YouView, Richard Halton, replied to the claims:

We want to get YouView right and don’t want to rush the development. We will understand our launch position better by the end of March. We are not ruling out any launch date either way.

So, not a denial by any means, but it’s too early to count YouView out just yet.

Costly Delay…

If YouView is delayed to the extent which is being reported then the big question has to be whether it’ll be too little, too late by that point. YouView is essentially FreeView with catch-up services built in, and with the majority of homes now having a FreeView box people will need to have a very good reason to upgrade.

By this time next year the number of devices able to deliver iPlayer and other catch-up services into living rooms will have risen sharply, and that will mean the BBC and its partners essentially playing catch-up themselves. Which really doesn’t bode well for a successful launch.

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Connected TV Platforms

Connected TV platforms are coming at us thick and fast, with the likes of Apple (Apple TV), Google (Google TV), and Boxee (Boxee Box) having released their own in recent months, and that’s just a small selection of those now on offer to consumers.

Yahoo! Connected TV has been with us for a while, and is currently available in 70 different models of television. However, the apps available on it up to now have mostly been widgets (read Web apps) such as those for Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon. In other words, not video content.

Disney & Yahoo!

That looks set to change in the near future though, as Yahoo ups its attempts to get video-on-demand content on the platform. At CES 2011, Yahoo announced plans to up its ‘broadcast interactivity’ with apps possibly coming from CBS and Showtime.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Disney is also considering coming on board. Which would see widgets for ABC, ESPN, and Disney coming online. Unfortunately, rather than full shows or movies, the widgets will likely host trailers and short clips. You could say, promotional material.

Which is rather disappointing if you ask me. It certainly isn’t going to be enough to make people choose Yahoo’s platform over the countless other either already out on the market or on their way to market.

Conclusions

I guess this is a start, not only for Yahoo and Disney but for companies on both sides of the digital divide working together. However, we really need more than just promotional material showing up on connected TV platforms if there is going to be any future in them. And if there isn’t then it’ll be the broadcasters who ultimately lose out.

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