Android is coming to your telly. Crave chatted to to manufacturers working on televisions powered by Google mobile operating system at technology trade show IFA this week. As all the big names showed off their Internet-connected tellies, less well-known names are going 'Droid.
The amazingly-named Swedish company People of Lava is the first to develop an Android-powered television, while Vestel also has the backroom boffins working overtime to build one. Don't worry if you hadn't heard of Vestel, it's only the largest telly-maker in Europe.
Android TV seems like a winner. It's an established operating system and using it means manufacturers don't have to develop software as well as hardware. It's good for developers too, as IPTV types won't have to build different solutions for different manufacturers. Plus, Android is free. It may even be a draw for consumers as a name that's gaining ever more customer recognition.
Ideally, we'll see our Android syncing in some way with our telly -- Vestel reckons Android TV will let you use the same apps on blower and gogglebox.
The challenge for app developers is that this provides yet another screen for which their apps must be adapted, following the slew of Android tablets like the Samsung Galaxy Tab and Toshiba Folio 100. Controlling Android via a remote control is another issue.
What do you think about Android TV? Would the Googlebot on the gogglebox sway you into buying a particular television, even if it's from a less well-known name? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
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Anonymous 5 September, 2010 15:13
Is this the same as Google TV?
Luketha 5 September, 2010 17:10
interesting, to be honest i think Android is a total win for years to come, its got a lot of potential, this will hopefully another trophy to add to its already prosperous collection
Nyadach 5 September, 2010 22:20
Can't wait for it, perfect solution really. Why bother with any stupid add on box when you have Android on the telly, and just download the app to connect to whatever online video service you want. Freedom of choice on telly and service is a win win for the consumer. Know when it comes to buying a TV and choosing between a manufacturers online option and Android, will always go for the Android option.
anonymous 5 September, 2010 23:16
I like the idea but one problem could be boot times... on my phone for example it takes ages to boot when turned on but with a TV people wont want to take more than say... 5 seconds max. If that is dealt with then the idea is brilliant.
anonymous 6 September, 2010 09:38
Good question, Anonymous #1. As we understand it, Android TV is different from Google TV - Android TV is a platform for manufacturers to build into their TVs, and Google TV is a hub for aggregating TV content. We'll have more on Google TV shortly.