Google Still Sees Hope for Google TV; Will Hit Europe Next Year

From DailyTech:
Google may be a heavyweight champ in the search arena and the mobile arena with its Android operating system, but it's having some trouble in the television business. Nevertheless, Google Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt insists that the company will not give up on Google TV.

Google TV, which allows users to combine Internet and television content on TV screens through a browser, has had a rocky start since its launch in October 2010. Major U.S. television networks like ABC, NBC and CBS have blocked the Smart TV platform due to fears that it will steal their advertising revenues without paying for the costs of programming. Also, Google TV has received "lukewarm" reviews. For instance, Google TV partner Logitech had to slash set top box prices from $299 to $99 in July.

Despite these issues, Google is hanging onto its TV business and expects more partners to join it soon.

"We're absolutely committed to staying, to improving Google TV," said Schmidt.

For the next version of Google TV, Google will be partnering with Sony and Logitech once again as well as other unannounced partners. In addition, Google recently acquired Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion, and Motorola owns the world's largest set top box business and has a good relationship with U.S. cable companies. Having new partners and Motorola in Google's back pocket could help it move Google TV along and improve its services, yet it plans to run Motorola separately.

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