LG unveiled their partnership with Google and the Google TV platform at CES 2012. The TV will launch later in 2012 as a separate model. In this article we take a look at LG’s Google TV implementation.
Update: Google's own video presentation has been added.
LG’s Google TV
LG showcased their first Google TV at CES 2012 and it is worth remembering that this is actually one of the few TVs with Google TV built-in. Sony’s Google TV was based on the old platform, and Sony only introduced Google TV in external boxes this year. So, what can we expect?
LG’s Google TV implementation
LG’s TV is a “Google TV with a touch of LG”. It basically incorporates Google TV with LG’s own Smart TV skin atop of it. The Android TV Market is open to use but the look and feel might differ from other Google TV based products. It is basically the same as with Android smartphones where manufacturers apply their own skin atop of the Android OS. LG’s Google TV therefore looks a lot similar to LG’s current Smart TVs with their Netcast platform at first glance.
Android Market on LG’s Google TV
But underneath there is a new world based on the Android platform. The most intriguing new feature is obviously the Android Market with TV apps (and some other apps, reused from Android tablets). The Android TV Market spans across a range of devices so we can expect a lot of current Android developers to support it, and we will hopefully see some really cool apps in 2012 and onwards.
LG’s Google TV implementation
Besides integrating Google TV into the TV, LG has developed a new “Magic Remote Qwerty” with a complete QWERTY keyboard on the back. The remote is motion-activated and also takes voice commands. It even has a convenient scroll-wheel in the middle to make website scrolling easier. Multi-tasking is also possible, as the search, social networking and TV functions can be run simultaneously.
LG’s Google TV in action
LG’s Google TV will come with Cinema 3D; LG’s passive 3D technology that utilizes inexpensive polarized 3D glasses. A 2D-to-3D conversion chip is available as well. The TV was called G6 (55LMG620 & 47LMG620) at CES and boasted LED; 120 Hz, Dual Play and a “floating stand”. However, LG declined to go into more details. A G8 (55LMG860 & 47LMG860) model was also mentioned.
We have to stress that Google TV will not be available in all LG 2012 TVs. This is a specific TV, planned for a later 2012 release. All other LG Smart TVs will use LG’s updated Netcast Smart TV platform.
LG is also rumored to be the partner for a Nexus Google TV remote. We will update you with more information as soon as possible.
LG's Google TV to arrive in 2012 - hands-on
