At Google’s recent developer conference, I/O 2011, the three big topics we were expecting were Android, Chrome and Google TV. The first two were dealt with in depth, however Google TV only got a passing mention. Google notified current owners than they would soon get an update to a Honeycomb-based version of the TV software, but that was about it.
Now, however, a developer reference unit, known as the “Fishtank”, has been leaked to geek.com, who have spilled all they can find out about the system and then some.
The Fishtank is basically a bare-bones set-top box powered by Intel’s CE4100 Smart TV chipset – the same silicon powering the Boxee Box – and comes preloaded with the newest version of Google TV, which is based on Android Honeycomb, or version 3.1. Although there is a dearth of apps available for the platform, the system does sport Chrome as the default browser – not the pared-down Honeycomb browser but a full version of Chrome.
The system also supports “Dual View”, which we’re assuming is some kind of split-screen or Picture-in-Picture mode, allowing TV to be watched while other apps are used.
Geek.com were also privy to some information on the developer programme, discussion about which is apparently taking place in a private Google Groups board. Many of the developers are unhappy that Google will not be allowing them to alter or overlay the live TV stream, a functionality which had initially been promised but has now been withdrawn. This has meant many on the developer programme have had to abandon their original ideas.
Adding more fuel to the Google TV fire, it recently became apparent that Google TVs are appearing in device listings on the online Android Market – although users are not able to install apps to them just yet.
Of course, the timing of these two developments could be purely coincidental, but we’re hoping Google can push out the update sooner rather than later. Google TV received a somewhat muted reception when it launched last year, and a reboot – including some new, cheaper hardware – could be just what the doctor ordered.
