First officially announced at Google I/O, Google TV aims to bring Internet video to the living room. Users will be able to search the web and switch back and forth between web video, TV and other content all from the remote control.
Google will be selling the device as a separate set-top box and partnering with manufacturers like Sony to build the features into HDTVs and other devices. According to Reuters, Samsung is also now looking into using the service.
The basic Google TV service will be free, although we anticipate that the company will also be working on deals to bring premium subscription content to the device.
In addition to Apple, Google TV faces competition from the upcoming Boxee Box, the Roku streaming players and the connected offerings that many HDTV and Blu-ray manufacturers are already building into their devices.
Sony, which will be making some of the Google TV set-top boxes as well as integrating the service into some of its new devices, has put lots of effort into making the Playstation 3 a one-stop media center for movies, games and TV shows.