Samsung Electronics is reported to be reviewing the possibility of using Google’s Android software in their LED, LCD and plasma HDTVs. Apparently, Samsung doesn’t want to fall behind manufacturers such as Sony and Apple who are loading software on their displays which can access everything from television and TV show content, to music, games and focused applications.
Google’s Android software, originally developed for mobile internet access, will soon be running on over 50 million phones. By Christmas, Bloomberg reports, “Google TVs” (built by Sony and powered by Android) will hit retail shelves.
Samsung is no stranger to the Android OS. The company already uses the operating system in several smartphone models. Variations of the Galaxy S smartphone started shipping this summer and the Galaxy S “Fascinate” version for Verizon will ship Sept. 9.
Competition for Apple? The Google product is already “embedded” in many of the products we use everyday. Google TV is used for Amazon VOD and Netflix’s streaming “instant watch” service. And, of course, it’s used to power YouTube. A migration to television sets would just be a natural evolution for the search giant. But Google would face many obstacles in “taking over TV” — for one the entire cable industry may stand in its way. For some great insight, check out this Multichannel article.
