Google has had some major failures this year, with Google Wave and Buzz topping the list. However, people are quick to add the newly released Google TV to that lineup. “It’s looking grim,” seems to be the line — but is that right?
Certainly, Google TV isn’t an exploding success. Here’s what we know:
* As soon as Google TV was released, a number of video streaming sites went to great lengths to be sure that their media couldn’t be streamed — effectively stunting the hardware’s functionality at early stages.
* It’s been broadly reported that Logitech has halted the production of the Revue, one of the first products released for Google TV. Recent analysis indicates that this is because of a lack of sales.
* Google requested that developers of new Google TV hardware not present at CES in January. The desire for software updates has been the most frequently cited reason.
But, really, that’s not the full story (even if it’s the one that spreads and sells the most). Google TV isn’t as feeble as people are claiming. What we know:
* Google just released an OTA update that will add some great UI improvements and, more importantly, Netflix access.
* Logitech has flatly denied that Google ordered them to halt production or that they chose to do so because of any issues with either hardware or software.
* Google has a “release early, iterate often” policy which will bring us many new updates over the next few months
* We know some Google CES presentations will still happen, including a presentation from Logi. Everything else remains in the realm of unconfirmed rumors.
So, Google isn’t smashing records, but it’s got some potential. Remember, this is still a very new project from Google. Simply put: it’s too early to judge how it will do.
Thanks to Beta News, and other sources for data on Google TV trends.
