When it first launched at the end of 2010, Google TV didn’t exactly set the world on fire, but electronics giant LG has jumped onboard with their new Google TV television – and other manufacturers are expected to be announcing their own GoogleTV goggleboxes next week.
Due to be announced at CES 2012 next week, LG’s new set will come packed with Google TV goodness, with 3D support for battery-free, passive glasses (so no pesky batteries needed).
We’ll have to wait till CES for the specifics of screen sizes and costs, but here’s LG’s press release to get us all warmed up ready for the announcement.
LG to Introduce Google TV at CES 2012
LG Electronics will introduce its highly anticipated Google TV at the 2012 International CES next week in Las Vegas. LG Smart TV with Google TV* combines the familiarity of Google’s Android OS with the convenience and comfort of LG’s 3D and Smart TV technologies, offering consumers a new and attractive home entertainment option.
“LG has constantly strived to provide consumers with wider choices in home entertainment that bring the highest level of sophistication and convenience,” said Havis Kwon, President and CEO of the LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company. “Through Google TV, LG has merged Google’s established Android operating system with LG’s proven 3D and Smart TV technologies, offering consumers a new and enthralling TV experience.”
LG Google TV’s most attractive feature is its ease of use, thanks to the combination of its Android-based user interface and the Magic Remote Qwerty designed by LG. LG Google TV’s user interface and main screen have been designed for convenient browsing and content selection. Multi-tasking is also possible, as the search, social networking and TV functions can be run simultaneously. The user interface can be accessed using the Magic Remote Qwerty which combines the user-friendly benefits of LG’s Magic Remote with a QWERTY keyboard.
Equipped with LG’s own CINEMA 3D technology, LG Google TV provides a home entertainment experience that is immersive, comfortable and convenient. Based on LG’s own Film Patterned Retarder (FPR) technology, CINEMA 3D glasses are battery-free and lightweight. The glasses are also very affordable, making LG’s Google TV ideal for viewing by a large group of family and friends when used in 3D mode. And with a single click of the remote, any 2D content can be viewed in 3D, thanks to the built-in 2D to 3D conversion engine.
Alongside Google TV, LG will continue to advance its own Smart TV platform based on NetCast using open web technology such as Webkit browser and Linux. LG Smart TV with NetCast will be available globally in 85 plus countries at launch. With a growing collection of content and services, LG’s Smart TV platform will continue to provide consumers with a unique user experience.
LG Smart TV with Google TV will be available in two series at launch in the US in 2012. The first demonstration of LG’s Google TV will take place at CES, Jan. 10-13.
*Internet connection & certain subscriptions required and sold separately. Content and services vary by product and are subject to change without notice.
About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing more than 93,000 people working in over 120 operations around the world. With 2010 global sales of KRW 55.8 trillion (USD 48.2 billion), LG comprises four business units – Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, and Air Conditioning & Energy Solutions. LG is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. For more information, please visitwww.LGnewsroom.com.
About LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company
The LG Electronics Home Entertainment Company is a top global player in flat panel displays, audio players, video products, monitors, commercial displays and security systems for the consumer and commercial markets. LG’s product areas include LCD and plasma televisions, LED LCD monitors, home theater systems, Blu-ray Disc™ players, audio components, video players and plasma display panels. While focusing on creating feature-rich devices, the company is also pursuing stylish designs and pushing technological boundaries to improve the home entertainment experience. LG HE company is also a leader in providing commercial (or B2B) products such as digital signage, video conference system and IP security cameras.