Google to Take on AppleTV?

[Chafka]

It appears that Google is positioning themselves to take on Apple TV since they recently bought up SageTV. This came as a shock to me when I went to check on updates for my system.

 

[jaw04005]

Last I looked, Sage TV is more like Windows Media Center than anything else. The only real Apple TV competitor currently is Roku. The rest of the industry is trying to reinvent the DVR.

 

[biosci]

Right now I'm loving my Boxee Box!!! But Apple tv is good for any AirPlay I need to do...

 

[Chafka]

Sure they make the software, but they are also now (were) making hardware too. Have a look at the HD300. It provides the front end for the storage and looks to be a bit smaller than the Apple TV. Granted it doesn't have storage, but seems nice nonetheless. The version I have running on my homebrew is actually quite nice. For now I guess.

 

[spacepower7]

Last report I saw, they are going to release android 3.1 and resell the same hardware configuration. I hope they discount it otherwise a no go.

The biggest failure of GoogleTv is that all the content providers blocked the system.... Hulu etc....

The biggest problem with everything android is that the users want everything for free......

The spec lists for android devices always one ups iOS on video codecs but 99% of Divx and Xvid video are pirated

Apple can't natively support those codecs bc their contracts with Hollywood.

I'm not anti GoogleTV, it just doesn't do much more than a $99 WDTV or AppleTv.

Why would I want to browse the web on my TV. I have a phone, tablet and laptop to browse the web, I want my tv to provide my other entertainment.

Another anti google sounding point .

If I'm trying to get away from advertisements, which is my whole focus of having a HTPC.

Then why would I want a HTPC sold by the world's largest advertising company?

Does no one realize that the GoogleTV can track consumers in the way that media companies and TV stations have only dreamed about?

 

[Chafka]

If I'm trying to get away from advertisements, which is my whole focus of having a HTPC.

Then why would I want a HTPC sold by the world's largest advertising company?

Does no one realize that the GoogleTV can track consumers in the way that media companies and TV stations have only dreamed about?

Good points. I guess Google will be able to do realtime what the Neilson Ratings have been trying to do for years (I remember filling out a survey for my parents when I was about 12). I will probably see if I can switch over to XBMC or Myth - I liked SageTV since it was windows based and just worked - and was cheap. Oh well.