Google is pushing out a slew of new features to its existing Google TV units via a software update. The company is endowing the units with a simpler interface, a redesigned home screen for easier access to favorites, deeper ties with YouTube and, last but not least, access to the Android Market, where users can pick from a selection of a few dozen made-for-Google-TV apps.
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) unveiled a software update for Google TV on Friday that includes a slew of apps.
These are based on Android 3.1, Google spokesperson Jacques Herbert told TechNewsWorld. This is the latest version of the so-called "Honeycomb" release.
An update based on Honeycomb has been expected for a while.
Sony (NYSE: SNE), a long-time Google TV partner, reportedly demonstrated a Google TV set running Honeycomb at CEDIA Expo 2011, the Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association conference held in Indianapolis, Ind., last month.
The Google TV Software Update
The Google TV software update released on Friday focuses on four areas: simplicity, improved search, a custom YouTube experience and Android apps.