Google IO 2012 could have signaled the fall of Google TV

Google IO 2012 could have signaled the fall of Google TV


Google IO 2012 was one of the best developer conferences to grace the technology industry in a long time. New Google products and features are about to shake the entire market as these start becoming available to the general consumer. The giveaways were also amazing, as attendees walk away with a Galaxy Nexus, Nexus 7, Nexus Q and a Samsung Chromebox. Even skydivers were involved in the Google Glass excitement. But one thing was left out, and sadly it is our beloved Google TV platform.

We Google TV fans sure felt left out as we watched one hell of a show. Much like being that secluded sibling in the family, we got to see all other Google services thrive more than ever as Google TV continues to struggle. There are many things the Search Giant could do to make this platform succeed, and we have already gone over some rather simple ones (relatively). But that is not what worries us now, what worries us is a feeling of uncertainty. The fact that Google very well may be (in some ways) abandoning its smart TV platform.

Google IO keynotes are crucial for media and advertising. The whole world was watching what Google had to offer during these short periods of time. Google TV was not mentioned at all. Not once was there even a sign of its existence during these keynotes.

This raises another question: does this mean there just is nothing to announce for Google TV? There might not be any ground-breaking news… sure. This does not mean there weren’t some exciting things to at least mention for a few minutes, though.

Sony is soon to release its new Google TV box. So is Vizio, and LG has already joined the game. There is also a said update coming to the Google TV Play Store and the platform is starting to become available in more countries.

So why exactly is it that Google did not take a few minutes to tell developers and media where Google TV was headed? Wouldn’t a $99 Vizio Google TV box giveaway have been a great idea? It sure seems much more exciting than the Chromebox to some.

Google and readers: you will have to pardon me if it feels like I am ranting. To learn that a platform with great potential, and that its maker invested so much on, is probably spiraling down is understandable. But to see it happen without a good fight is saddening.

At this point, it seems manufacturers may be putting more attention on Google TV than Google itself. The most exciting part of the week (for Google TV fans) was when Sony gave away some Google TV boxes at its party.

Google TV is a great product – many of us see its potential and are loyal to the platform. We want to see its flaws improved and its fame corrected, ultimately becoming a successful and popular service. Is there a possibility Google just needs more time for its upcoming moves? Probably, but Google’s lack of attention during its largest event of the year leaves much to wonder.

Yes, there were some developer sessions and a Google TV Sandbox. As we mentioned before, though, offering these will not fix all the problems Google TV is facing. The Search Giant needs to push it more and make the platform enticing to both consumers and developers. We know you are busy, Google, but a mention of where Google TV is at, and where it is going, would have sufficed.

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