Google has unveiled the second-generation of its Google TV software, powered by Android.
The revamp features simplified controls, improved search, slicker integration with video-sharing service YouTube and the option to add applications made by outside developers.
The new update offers an easier to use user interface with the entire client being powered by Android 3.1.
That also means that Google TV 2.0 is also a platform for Android applications and indeed the Android Market is bundled with the update.
Google’s streaming TV service has not so far been a runaway success with reviewers often complaining that the service was too difficult to user. Logitech’s Google TV-powered Revue was also met with sluggish sales which forced the manufacturer to slash the price to clear inventory.
“The initial version of Google TV wasn’t perfect, but launching it gave us the opportunity to learn,” Google product managment boss Mario Queiroz posted on the Google TV blog.
“These are still early days, and we’re working hard to move forward with each update,” Queiroz added.
“In the grander scheme, it is another step on a long road,” said Chris Dale of the Google TV team. “We are committed to the product and making it better.”Google is among technology firms betting that the future of home entertainment is films, television shows, and other video content streamed on-demand over the Internet.
The California Internet titan last year launched Google TV, which is powered by Android software and Chrome Web browser and can be accessed using Sony TVs or set-top boxes from Logitech that route Web content to existing television sets.
Sony and Logitech have both slashed prices on Google TV offerings in the face of disappointing sales.
Updated Google TV software that will begin rolling out next week seeks to make it easier and more intuitive for viewers to find online video.
View a video explaining how the sevice works below:
