There's been some buzz over this television recently because of the fact it uses Android to display a bunch of internet related media. It seems like this is the future of of televisions (containing onboard, interactive firmware or operating systems that connect to the internet). Is it really necessary though.
Every year, we see manufacturers release another hundred individual models of their latest and greatest HDTV in every size. I don't think there's much incentive for them to continuously update older HDTVs with the latest firmware or Android operating system. So it seems like these televisions will feel like they're obsolete pretty quickly.
Since my HDTV is plugged into a dedicated set top box anyway, it seems like that's the way to go. Look at Boxee, Roku, Popbox, Apple TV. They're all updated fairly frequently (well, maybe not the Apple TV).
Discussion about
People of Lava Scandinavia - An Android powered HDTV?
I think at least when it comes to the refresh rate you are wrong, if they continue to use the same hardware for the android portion of it, and it sounds like its about the standard then updates would be easy. And for us it might seem outdated but if the average person had one and could watch internet media on it they probably wouldn't care all that much.
But I think the key point is that Android is going to be everywhere. Hell a month ago there is a car in asia that is being produced that has it as an OS. I think the unified OS is going to be amazing. Imagine if Google implements a way for apps to be sent or used on another device that you own. Technically paid apps transfer to gadgets with market access but I just see this as another step for android especially if Sony or any of the manufactures use it.
And an afterthought, most people have no clue what a set top is, or what one is used for but if there TV came with functionality like this they would be more likely to use it then if some one gave them a set top box. If this tv didn't cost so much I would so buy one.
But I think the key point is that Android is going to be everywhere. Hell a month ago there is a car in asia that is being produced that has it as an OS. I think the unified OS is going to be amazing. Imagine if Google implements a way for apps to be sent or used on another device that you own. Technically paid apps transfer to gadgets with market access but I just see this as another step for android especially if Sony or any of the manufactures use it.
And an afterthought, most people have no clue what a set top is, or what one is used for but if there TV came with functionality like this they would be more likely to use it then if some one gave them a set top box. If this tv didn't cost so much I would so buy one.
I don't think that Android is the best OS for the job. Current Android is mostly focused at smartphones. I think it might be smart for Google to release custom UI's for TVs and such. I do think it would nice to have the OS integrated into the TV but I'm unsure if manufacturers will be loyal enough to update it frequently.
I posted a long response to this that disappeared with a "missing post ID" message. The gist of what I said is the current internet/media functions on TV's are slow and lacking and I hope Google and these indie developers can make it better.
I think this is exactly the type of application android is meant for. A device that doesn't need full control (like a computer) yet still would benefit from an improved user experience. This would vastly improve the experience for a lot of people who are frustrated with their computer experience (or lack thereof) but wish there tv did a little bit more.
