More entertainment choices with Google TV

With Google TV, that big screen in your living room is an endless opportunity for entertainment. Live TV and the web are bringing you more options than ever before, and today, we’re adding a few more.

More entertainment options with Google Play
You already have access to a variety of apps on Google Play, and soon you’ll be able to find movies, TV shows, and music from Google Play to stream on Google TV. Google Play works across devices, so you can rent and start watching a movie on your Google TV, keep watching on your tablet on the move, and finish watching on Google TV. The TV & Movies app will also show Google Play content, adding to the more than 100,000 TV episodes and movies available in the app. The full power of Google Play will be available later this summer on all Google TV devices.



More choice for consumers, now with Sony and Vizio
We’re partnering with four of the top TV manufacturers in the world to bring you new products in various form factors. This week, Sony and Vizio joined LG in launching a new generation of Google TV-powered products. You’ll also find Sony Google TV products in nine countries over the coming months, and more partners and products are on the way.

More tools for you to get on TV
For all our developers out there, we’ve got new APIs, libraries, and code to create whole new experiences for Google TV. Build the killer second screen app, take advantage of improved media playback and digital rights management, and integrate devices directly to Google TV. Developers around the world have created hundreds of apps optimized for TV like SiriusXM, Revision3 and Thuuz, and you can see some of them at Google I/O this week. Visit our Google TV Developers site to find all kinds of tools, and keep in touch with us on our Google TV Developer +Page.

As more Google TV’s come to consumers around the world this year, we want to bring you more ways to get involved with the big screen, whichever side of the screen you’re on.

Posted by Catherine Liang, Product Marketing Manager and Ossama Alami, Developer Relations Manager

Google TV lands in the UK

Two years ago, we launched Google TV in the U.S. to bring the best of Google and the Web to your TV, and we’ve been improving it ever since. YouTube’s been tailored for the big screen; Google Play now offers thousands of mobile apps and hundreds optimized for TV; the Web is now at your fingertips with Chrome; and you can search whatever you want—all on top of enjoying the great entertainment available on TV.

Starting today, Google TV devices will be available for pre-order in the U.K. and the U.S., from our partner Sony with its Internet Player with Google TV. Sony's 2012 plans include bringing the Internet Player with Google TV to Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico and Netherlands.

For example, in the U.K. you’ll be able to pop live TV into the background while you read up on The Guardian’s website with Chrome, catch up on the latest episode of EastEnders on the BBC iPlayer, view Lauren Luke’s latest make-up tips on YouTube, and choose from the hundreds of apps optimized for TV in Google Play. To get a better sense of the benefits of Google TV, check out this video.



You can learn more about Google TV at Google I/O this week, where you’ll see the latest from our partners and developers. Follow the action live online at developers.google.com/io.

We’re at the beginning of a journey of transformation for TV, and we hope you’ll join us for the ride. 

Posted by Suveer Kothari, Google TV head of global distribution

A world of learning and adventure for your kids to enjoy, thanks to Ameba on Google TV

Guest to the Google TV blog, Kim Lachance Shandrow, Ameba’s Digital Content Manager shares all the great content your kids can enjoy on Ameba.

Ever wish you could let your kids watch TV without having to sit right over their shoulders to make sure everything’s kosher? I’m talking about younger kids, ages 2 to 12. Curious little explorers who still like to watch fun, innocent -- and, yes, even educational -- shows, like The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That, BusyTown Mysteries, and WordWorld.  

Where can your kiddos get all those great shows? On Ameba’s new Google TV app, where you’ll never, ever have to helicopter parent what your kids watch. In fact, Ameba is so family-friendly and easy for kids to use, you won’t even have to help them choose what to watch. They’ll love being in charge.

Ameba’s visually intuitive Google TV app was designed specifically to put younger kids in the driver’s seat of their viewing experience. It’s bright, fun, and easy to navigate. Plus, there’s no inappropriate content or commercials for kids to accidentally crash into.

In two clicks or less, even preschool-aged kids can easily find and play their favorite Ameba shows and discover new ones. Finally, you can sit back, relax, and let the kids watch what they want. Better yet, they’ll laugh and learn the whole time.

If your little sleuth likes unraveling mysteries, she’ll love solving cliffhangers with Huckle Cat, Lowly Worm, and friends on BusyTown Mysteries. Or, if your little one’s a fan of Dr. Seuss, bring them along for a wild Thinga-ma-jigger ride with Sally, Nick, and The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That.

Have a tween? They’ll dig Ruby Skye P.I., a hilarious indie mystery series starring a quirky teen detective. Without spoiling it, let’s just say it’s about a girl trying to make sense of a nutty neighbor with fake pets, missing brownies, and a disappearing best friend. It’s all in a day’s work for Ruby Skye, P.I.!

As a mom of three, I totally get that kids are always hungry for new stuff to watch. That why we’re always adding fresh, new shows to our library. Stay tuned for lots more soon.

It’s easy to add our new Ameba app to your Google TV device for free. You’ll get instant access to thousands of hours of all the latest Ameba TV shows and videos – streamed directly to your big screen for fast, convenient, and anytime viewing from the comfort your home. Trust me, your kids will thank you.

Download Ameba’s New Google TV app in the Google Play Store today. Check it out and let us know what you think below. We’d love to hear from you!

To find out the latest info about Google TV, visit the Google TV Google+ Page.
Posted by Kim Lachance Shandrow, Ameba’s Digitial Content Manager, and mom to Aiden, 11, Kade, 8, and Solenne, 7

This Father’s Day, help Dad enjoy all his favorite past times on his Google TV

Whether your Dad is a sports enthusiast, game geek, news junkie or movie buff, we’ve got you covered with these four awesome apps on Google TV.

For the Sports Enthusiast
Make sure Dad never misses a good game with Are You Watching This!?. The app lets you program alerts to notify you when your favorite games are playing or if there is a must-see finish. You can also go right to the channel with just one click. Get it on your big screen with Google TV and your phone and tablet. 

For the Game Geek  

If your Dad likes puzzle games, tell him to give Brain Cube a whirl. Challenge Dad to roll the block along the many different paths to reach the square hole. Things heat up as you progress through the levels. Take turns playing and see if you can beat Dad’s score. 

For the News Junkie
News 360 is sure to satisfy any news junkie, bringing all sides of the story from over 10,000 news sources around the web. Between watching live news streams and reading the latest news on the big screen, this app will help Dad stay in the know. It can even filter for the news that matters to him most by connecting to his social networking accounts and learning what interests him.

For the Movie Buff
If your Dad loves movies, he will love Flixster. Flixster has movie reviews, trailers, and showtimes all in one place on your big screen. You can check out the latest box office releases, get reviews from Rotten Tomatoes, stream and download full length movies, and even connect to your Netflix queue! If you want to check out That’s my Boy or The Avengers with Dad, use Flixster to look up showtimes at a nearby theater.

If you found this post helpful, share it with your friends. To find out the latest info about Google TV, visit our Google+ Page.

To download Are You watching This?!, Brain Cube, News 360, and Flixster, visit the Google Play Store.

Posted by Jennifer Wasson, Google TV Content Partnerships

Media management made simple on Google TV with aVia Media Player

Guest to the Google TV blog Michael Daulerio, VP of Business Development at Videon, shares why the aVia app is an excellent all-in-one media resource for Google TV.

Imagine a world without complicated cords and wires.  Shoot a video with your smartphone and quickly share it with friends on your big screen.  Then queue up your music collection from your laptop on your TV.  Now with the aVia Media Player from Videon, you can have all of your media at your fingertips no matter what Android device you’re on.

All-in-one media resource
Use the aVia Media Player for all your media playback and sharing needs. With aVia, you can:

• Play music
• Watch videos
• View photos

Having all of your media in one place means less time trying to learn how multiple apps work and more time enjoying the content you love.

Your Devices Working In Harmony
If you love intuitive and easy-to-use apps, aVia will not disappoint.  Use your tablet to browse the movies you have stored on your network or home computer, and then fling an old favorite to your Google TV to watch it on the big screen.

You can choose different layouts for each of your devices so aVia is sure to look sleek whether you are using your Google TV or your tablet. And for all the social media and photo sharing enthusiasts out there, you can access personal media content from sites like Facebook and Picasa. 

Download aVia from the Google Play Store. As always, visit Google+ for more of the latest news, tips and tricks for Google TV.

Post by Michael Daulerio, VP of Business Development, Videon

Bring Motor Trend Need For Speed To Your Google TV

Guest to the Google TV blog, Michael Floyd, Digital Director of the Motor Trend Automotive Group, shares the latest features of Motor Trend on Google TV.

A Corvette ZR1 screaming down the German autobahn at 200 mph. Suzuki's GSX-R1000 superbike hot lapping at Homestead. The mighty Nissan GT-R doing battle with the stunningly fast Porsche 911 Turbo S. An in-depth test of the all-new BMW 3 Series. Cheap trucks duking it out in a hilarious cash-strapped quest for off-road glory.

Got your attention yet? If I have, then you need to download our new and improved Motor Trend app for Google TV. From cars to trucks to motorcycles, if it has wheels, we drive it, ride it, and live it -- and we bring it all to you in stunning HD quality with production values that are second to none in the automotive entertainment space.

The Motor Trend app makes it seamless to watch and move between eight separate shows, each with its own distinct personality. Tune into Ignition for drives and tests of the newest and hottest cars. On Epic Drives, we take you along on expansive journeys shot across the globe in stunning locales. We cover the latest news from around the auto industry on Wide Open Throttle, and on Head 2 Head, rival cars are tested and compared to find which is best.

It’s not just about new cars on the Motor Trend channel. On Hot Rod Unlimited, the editors of Hot Rod, Car Craft and others wrench on, race, and cruise in the biggest and baddest American muscle cars. Roadkill features the wacky automotive misadventures of Hot Rod’s David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan, and on The Downshift, you’ll find everything from a trip to the Bonneville Salt Flats to a look at the low rider culture.

If two-wheeled fun is what you’re after, then click over to On Two Wheels, where the editors of Motorcyclist and Dirt Rider gun the throttle on the tarmac and in the dirt, riding the best bikes the world has to offer.

As for the app itself, you can quickly and easily toggle between shows. Each episode contains a detailed description and links to other content, and you can tag your favorite shows to watch later.

Bottom line, if you have a pulse and you’re into cars at all (and maybe even if you aren’t), you’re going to find something compelling to watch on the Motor Trend Google TV app.

Did I mention it’s all in HD and produced by arguably the best staff in the business?

We drive it. We ride it. We live it. Come live it with us through the Motor Trend app. Keep watching this space for behind-the-scenes show details and to stay in-the-know about what’s happening behind the wheel. And be sure to tell us your favorite episodes!

Download Motor Trend in the Google Play Store on your Google TV. Visit Google+ for more of the latest news, tips and tricks for Google TV.

Posted by Michael Floyd, Digital Director of the Motor Trend Automotive Group

iHeartRadio: Make music visual with your Google TV

Guests to the Google TV blog, Ken Colton, Web Developer and Harper Lieblich, Interaction Designer at iHeartRadio, share their insights on the launch of iHeartRadio with Google TV.

Now you can bring radio to life on your big screen.  The newly released iHeartRadio app for Google TV lets you enjoy finding great music, tying the experience of music to album art and station branding. The result is a deeper emotional connection to the product and to the music itself.  Tap into more than 800 Live Stations or create your own Custom Stations based on a particular artist or track.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Music has never been so fun to look at.  With the larger screen format uniquely available on the TV, you now have a unique visual experience using our artist photography to its fullest potential. High resolution artist imagery is front and center with access to your favorite stations easily accessible.

Find All Your Favorite Music
As you explore iHeartRadio, quickly jump to your favorite iHeartRadio Originals like Coffee Shop Rock and Road Trip!  Find live broadcast stations near you, by genre, or location. Search for an artist or song, and iHeartRadio will create a custom station that plays that artist and similar music.

Set the Mood with Mood Lighting
As soon as you select a station to listen to, we dim the lights so you can enjoy it without illuminating the room.  That’s music that knows how to create the right atmosphere.

Over the last several months, we've put a lot of work into bringing you the best iHeartRadio experience, and along the way we've made audio more visual. We're super excited about how iHeartRadio has come to life on Google TV and we think you will be as well!

Find iHeartRadio in the Spotlight app of Google TV.  Visit Google+ for more of the latest news, tips and tricks for Google TV.

Posted by Ken Colton, Web Developer, and Harper Lieblich, Interaction Designer, iHeartRadio