Google go from Web Surfing to Channel Surfing?

Having ascended to the peak of search engine dominance, Google have planted their flag and set out to find new mountains to conquer. If the internet was their K2 then could TV be their Everest? The rumour mill appears to be in full spin as the Wall Street Journal has suggested that Google is currently testing a new technology on set top boxed which could make major changes to how viewers browse their TV listings.

Derived from the Google Android mobile operating system the service will allow viewers search TV listings in the same way that you would search the internet. The service will also allow you to watch YouTube videos on your TV.

One aspect of the story with some real hard evidence is that Google is working on a project with Dish Network the US satellite television provider. The new technology is supposedly undergoing test at the moment in a variety of Google employee’s homes. This is part of an initial testing stage and if it proves successful will likely go into an expanded consumer service within the next couple of years.

Other companies have tried to market similar services before, including Apple and Microsoft but nothing has come of these previous ventures. Where Google differs is in its expanded application of the service allowing for YouTube interaction and a great deal of input and control over the potential for cheaper advertising through the service using the internet.

One notable difference that this service could make is the marginalisation of the TV remote control in favour of a keyboard for TV ‘browsing’. This also hints that Google are finally gearing up for a potential area of revenue for their thus far from profitable ownership of YouTube. Whether this foray into TV comes to fruition remains to be seen. However with the currently jarring search services available from the likes of Sky and Virgin, a more fluid service would be a more than welcome addition.

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• Why Invest In Content Marketing? - March 12, 2013
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• What is Your Sites Link Profile Saying about You? - February 19, 2013
• Can a Small On-line Business Really Compete with the Big Boys? - February 19, 2013
• Ramsay’s Web Wire – Issue #40: Sleet, Snow and SEO - December 3, 2010
• Ramsay’s Web Wire – Issue #39: Out of the Google Frying Pan… - November 26, 2010
• Ramsay’s Web Wire – Issue #38: The Google, the Bad and the Ugly - November 19, 2010
• Ramsay’s Web Wire – Issue #37: Google Jams A Few Rockets In Your Pocket - November 5, 2010
• Ramsay’s Web Wire – Issue #36: Google Gets All Up in Your Business - October 29, 2010
• Ramsay’s Web Wire – Issue #35: Google’s Groovy Giftset - October 22, 2010

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