Google TV Now Taking Over Televisions Near You

Late last week Logitech became the first company to officially announce a Google TV device when they introduced the world to the $300 Logitech Revue. This week Sony is following suite with the introduction of several new Google TV devices. Sony's announcement includes five devices in all. Four HDTVs (24-, 32- , 40- and 46-inch) with prices from $599 to $1,399, plus a rather oddly built white set-top box with built-in Blu-ray player for $399.

The new Sony Internet TV devices are built on the Google TV platform featuring the Android OS, running the Google Chrome browser and includes a powerful Intel Atom processor offering the ability to quickly search across Internet and television content for easy access to entertainment and information.

The models also feature Dual View, allowing users to watch television while tweeting about what they’re watching, checking their fantasy football scores, or finding related content on the web.

They also deliver a truly personalized entertainment experience with the ability to bookmark content for easy access and add applications from the Android Market (coming in early 2011). The models feature Sony’s premium streaming service “Video On Demand powered by Qriocity” as well as pre-installed apps including CNBC, Napster, NBA, Netflix, Pandora, Twitter, and YouTube.

Each set will feature an oddly shaped hand-held RF QWERTY keypad remote which incorporates an optical mouse making it easier to navigate content, type in search terms, and control the TV’s user interface. Additionally, Sony promises that select mobile devices such as an Android phone, can control the TV with an app that will be available for download from the mobile Android Market later this fall.

The Logitech Revue with Google TV includes a compact companion box that connects to any HDTV and a Logitech Keyboard Controller – a wireless compact keyboard that’s built specifically for the Google TV.

Additional accessories include the Logitech TV Cam which allows you to connect your TV Cam to your Google TV system, and have high-definition video calling directly from your HDTV, right in your living room. There is also a Logitech Mini Controller a compact palm-sized keyboard/ touch pad/remote control combo with the same power as the Keyboard Controller. The mini controller allows y to search, play, pause, rewind and fast-forward shows. And you can surf the web with a built-in combination touch pad/D-pad.

For Android and iPhone users Logitech has created the Logitech Harmony app for Android and iPhone. With the Harmony’s activity-based control, just one touch of “Watch Google TV” on your smartphone screen turns on all necessary devices and gives you control of your home entertainment system, including volume and video playback.

The Logitech Revue is currently only available for Pre-Order directly from Logitech while the Sony Internet TV and the Sony Internet TV Blu-ray Disc Player are currently on pre-sale at www.SonyStyle.com and www.BestBuy.com.  They will be available for purchase at Sony Style on October 16 and at Best Buy shortly after.