Google TV is apparently encountering a bit of static that has resulted in a programming change. A number of TV manufacturers have been expected to unveil new Internet-ready TVs at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas next month.But Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) has asked them to delay those plans so it can overhaul the Google TV software, according to a New York Times report that cited people familiar with the company's plans. Google representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The move comes less than a week after Google released an update to the software in an effort to make it more user friendly and improve Netflix integration. The Netflix experience on the previous software version was described by some reviewers as antiquated, and CNET's Matthew Moskovciak went so far as to say that the software's "Netflix app is about two generations behind those for competitors, such as Roku and Sony's PS3."
Google TV is one of the more high-profile attempts in recent history by the tech industry to marry the PC-based Internet and the traditional television world. Logitech and Sony have released devices running Google TV software, which allows people to watch regular old broadcast television while pulling up a series of Internet-based applications and Web sites.
However, Google TV has gotten off to a rocky start, and the search giant is still trying to get the big media companies to warm up to the software platform. So far, all of the major broadcast networks have blocked Google TV from providing access to their online content.
NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox all block full episodes of their shows from appearing on the software platform. However, Google TV supporters note that the software is simply making the freely available content posted to the Web by broadcasters accessible on TV sets.
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