Google TV Ready To Return To The Arena

Google has announced an update to the Google TV software that will streamline the user interface and the service's integration with YouTube. The update is set to roll out on Sony devices next week.
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NetNewsCheck,

Google today announced that it was ready to re-enter the connected TV fray with a software update for Google TV. The new update offers a streamline user interface and an improved YouTube experience — just in time for the online video service’s new channels.

In a post on The Official Google TV Blog, the Internet giant said the update, which will roll out on Sony devices next week, addressed four areas of user feedback.

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Google took cues from its Android phone and tablet interface to streamline the Google TV interface, making navigating the service “much simpler,” according to Google.

The company has also rethought the way Google TV interacts with YouTube. The two services are now more closely integrated, making it easier for users to “turn virtually any topic — mountain biking, cooking, etc. — into a channel,” Google said. The post follows closely on the heels of a Wall Street Journal report that said the company was ready to announce YouTube’s new content partnerships that will allow it to create “channels” on the video site.

The company also opened the door for the creation of more apps for the service, allowing Android developer to bring existing mobile apps and new apps to television, Google said.

Search functions have also been updated, including a “TV & Movies” app that lets users search through 80,000 movies and television shows, and a recommendations feature that can help Google TV predict what viewers want to watch.

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