CES 2013

Google TV Gets Update and New Apps

Barb Gonzalez  |  Jan 12, 2013

Manufacturers from Vizio to LG showed TVs with integrated Google TV and touted new features that will be available in a Google TV upgrade slated to roll out later this month. New apps, voice search, 3D, and more compatible apps are a few benefits of the update.

The Vizio Co-Star (that I reviewed recently) and other Google TVs will receive a new TV and Movies app that will now be called "Primetime." The app will add a new feature where recommended TV shows and movies can be displayed on the lower half of the screen while you continue to watch TV fullscreen. The Co-Star has a button to directly access "Amazon Instant Video" that previously accessed the service via the web browser. The update makes Amazon's streaming service available on a Google TV app that makes it easier to find and stream videos.

Voice search will be enabled in the upcoming update. This voice search goes beyond finding titles or actors. It can recognize casual language. Demonstrations included searching for "that love story that takes place on a sinking ship," which turned up Titanic and Poseidon Adventure. Users will be able to speak into a microphone in the remote control supplied with many new Google TVs and players. Older Google TVs will be able to use the feature on the Google TV app for smartphones.

Vizio showed 3D Google TV and will have an app with 3D content when the TV is released. It also will be able to pass through 3D content from a connected Satellite or cable set top box.

COMMENTS
JimmyMackey's picture
Submitted by JimmyMackey on January 23, 2013 - 1:10pm

Apps are good for me on my TV because it gives me more functions I can combine without multiple devices around me when I’m at home. Google TV is pretty innovative with those features and I’m glad to see they have incorporated it into the LG TVs. When I found out working for DISH that they have a receiver called the DISH Hopper with similar apps to Google TV, I got one. Now I enjoy using Facebook and Twitter while I’m watching TV and it is so much more convenient than having my laptop going too.

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