Is Google working on a television initiative? There are reports of a possible deal between Google, Sony and Intel, which would be towards the creation of a device that connects to the internet and runs Google’s Android platform. Turning television sets into computers by default, and running a platform that is also in the process of penetrating the mobile market is one way in which traditional media can regain a foothold.
Is this the way in which television finally contends with the internet? By joining forces? For the past few years, the differentiating lines amongst consumer electronics has been getting fainter. The functions of cameras, television sets, radios, computers and cell phones are being fitted into a single device, unifying our multiple media access points.
Finding a way to incorporate more on-demand media options, which can be run through the internet, is another monetization option for brands. Finding another way into the homes of consumers, traditional and new media sectors can act as targeted ad channels. The continued support of these distribution channels will lend some relief to areas such as broadcast television. Cable and satellite companies have been prepping for this era for some time as well, moving into bundled packages providing several data and communication services.
All of this enables the television to run the internet as well as a computer, as well as additional platforms upon which applications can be run. In doing so, the application economy will be encouraged as it expands into yet another media sector.
Interesting stuff, to say the least. Yet Google’s platform is still relatively young and unregulated. On mobile phones, Android still has its own shortcomings when compared to standards such as Apple’s platform. Open-source, Android comes with a slew of potential pitfalls when considering its expansion at this stage in its development. As Apple provides an example for how consumers may react to certain content, the unrestricted accessibility of certain content through Android is a concern Google will need to deal with.
Nevertheless, it seems important for Google to continue to create a presence across many consumer electronics. Finding a way to gt those devices to talk to each other is how Google continues to become a unifying factor for consumers, steadily making it a viable option for an application economy.