The Rise of Google TV

This year has seen a wave of different technological innovations hit our stores. From the new iPad, to the Samsung Galaxy SIII and iPhone 5, tech geeks have been spoilt rotten with the amount of gadgets to choose from. A rather silent but nonetheless very interesting development unfolding however has been that of Google TV. For those who might not be aware, Google TV is an integration of the billionaire corporation’s Android system, with the computer operating system Linux and internet television. In other words, it lets you surf the web on your teles.

Has it been a Success?

 …Unequivocally, no. Google TV hasn’t been sold to the public well enough; both literally and figuratively speaking.  In addition, the system players that have been manufactured to support Google TV haven’t really been that great. This wouldn’t have been so bad if the Google TV system itself wasn’t undeveloped. What you then get are limited and poorly marketed products, all down to both sides of the manufacturing process.

Diamonds in the Dirt

However with that said, there are a few gems in the midst of all the pebbles. A dongle developed by Visopix is certainly one, with it weighing 150g and being no larger than a USB stick, yet doing better than most of the other Android TV players on the market.

The TV Dongle holds a CORTEX A5 1.2GHz high speed processor, which makes it extremely speedy and powerful despite its miniscule size; as does the built-in Google operating system Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich.

It can also play video content – streamed or stored – at 1080p high definition; a high achievement for such a small device.

Through allowing you to enjoy internet television on a more efficient and practical level than that of other Google TV players, Visopix has certainly stolen a march on its rivals. Where it’ll go from here however, will determine the outcome of their success.

More to Come

The story of Google TV hasn’t quite taken off as much as its manufacturers would’ve hoped. However, it is by no means one that’s about to end. More internet enabled products will reach us soon and each will be an attempt to improve a developing idea. Visopix are already unto something and others too are making attempts.

The story of Google TV has been a rather disappointing one so far, but there’s been enough to suggest it may end up amongst the American corporation’s most innovative.

The author of this article is Tahar Rajab, a young British writer. He was educated at Queen Mary College, University of London where he obtained an Honours Bachelors Degree in History in 2011. He has since gone on to write for a variety of blogs.