19th May 2012
Google Searching For Controversial TV And Movie Holy Grail
24th August 2010
Pioneering search-engine giant Google has launched a new
technology system that it claims will enable viewers to watch
internet videos and live linear-TV programmes and movies on TV
screens.
To create this "smart TV" service, Google has joined forces with
consumer electronic groups Sony, Logitech and computer chip
manufacturer Intel. They plan to introduce their first range of the
required internet-enabled TV sets and set-top boxes this autumn in
the US. This will be followed by its introduction in Europe next
year.
Google plans to use its search-engine expertise to enable
consumers to search and find audio-visual information and
entertainment on TV channels and the internet via the same device
seamlessly.
And internet-enabled mobile phones featuring Google's Android
operating system will also function as remote-controls with the
Google TV service.
However, should the concept catch on, what happens to the way
people watch TV now?
Currently, consumers rely on traditional broadcasters, cable and
satellite pay-TV operators to offer TV entertainment and media.
These service providers make money from advertising, viewers'
licence fees and/or monthly subscriptions. From their revenues,
they pay TV and film producers.
Meanwhile, the vast majority of internet-delivered videos are
still free.
So if the viewing public is able to access their favourite films
and TV programmes online via Google TV and watch them on their big
flat TV screens, how are the makers of TV and movie content going
to get paid?
Experts suspect this new invention from the billion-dollar
behemoth Google is expected to lead to a clash with all copyright
owners, even before viewers begin to understand the implications of
what many suspect could be the future of television.