Google leaked a video teaser of their Google TV version 3. This new iteration includes voice actions, Prime Time the updated guide (it lets you see what is available without leaving your current program) and a new YouTube app that has auto sync capability with your Smartphone.
It’s heartening that Google finally updated Google TV after giving it the cold shoulder for the whole of last year. They unsuccessfully tried to market the Nexus Q which has absolutely no Google TV functionality. Google is rolling out this update to Sony and LG, but sadly the first gen Logitech Revue will not be a part of the new happy Google TV family.
This update is certainly welcome news though the remote app has not seen an update in two years. Most Google TV devices also do not have support for Miracast wireless display. These issues also need to be addressed by Google. Google TV has not yet become a runaway success, but with innovations like this, it seems that the process may finally be under way.
The small box easily fits under your TV and lets you access the web and Android apps. The remote includes a trackpad, QWERTY keyboard and a mike. This mike utilizes the speech recognition capability of Google TV to switch between channels and search for a particular TV show. All you need to do is tell it what you want. Interestingly, you need not specify the show per se; it can do a keyword based search, which I think is way cool. Like if you want to see ‘The League’ you need only utter the words ‘fantasy football’. When you search for the History Channel, you can go there directly, without entering the number for that channel.
The remote is not only packed with features but is aesthetically pleasing and a nice handy size as well. It has a D pad for your Up, Down, Left and Right movements; the trackpad takes care of the smaller movements. You can also perform a pinch zoom with your fingers, just like you would on your Smartphone.
On the other side you have the full QWERTY keyboard. The size is perfect; not so big that it becomes cumbersome and not so small that you find it difficult to grip or type. Thanks to the accelerometer, it knows which side is being used, so you needn’t worry about accidentally pressing anything you don’t want.
This remote can also function as a universal remote for your TV, DVR and other set top boxes, albeit without the voice control feature. The device is expected to hit the markets sometime in February. We don’t have any info on the possible price of the Sony NSG-MR7U.
The internet media player brings the amazing experience of web connectivity and Android apps to your TV screen while you’re continuing to watch live TV. However the Google TV software is still in need of some improvement.
Gabbie has been writing technology related contents such as blogging, social media, gadget reviews and tutorials and making money online for more than four years now. She is currently working as a writer for Massbeacon where you can get details on verizon fios availability offers and savings.