Google to Debut 'Smart TV' Internet Software

CYBERSPACE — Google Inc. will debut its “Smart TV” Internet television software this week in a joint initiative with Sony Corp., Intel Corp and Logitech International.

A report in the Los Angeles Times said the new IPTV-like platform will allow users to switch between TV shows, YouTube videos and home videos

The software is expected to be built into Internet-connected TVs, Blu-ray players and set-top boxes.

Because of the strategic relationships with powerhouses like Sony and Intel, analysts expect the Google initiative to gain more success than others companies who have ventured into the IPTV space with limited success like Apple’s set-top box that has limited web capability.

Google's Smart TV will be unveiled at a conference in San Francisco for 3,000 software programmers in hopes that third-party developers will build applications the same way they did for smart phones.

"The revolution we're about to go through is the biggest single change in television since it went color," Intel Chief Executive Paul Otellini told analysts last week.

The adult industry is traditionally at the vanguard of new technologies and is no stranger to IPTV.

Companies like IPTV applications developer Boxee, cable TV network New Frontier and content creators Hustler, Pink Visual and Bang Bros among others have all been participants, advocates or at least watchful of the new set-top box technology.

In the past few years interest has increased with the promise of watching adult programming via the web on the big-screen in the comfort of one’s living room. But the frenzy has yet to develop.

At this year's XBIZ LA "Future of the Porn Industry" seminar, Hustler/LFP Inc. President Michael H. Klein said he wasn’t a big fan of IPTV because current offerings just aren’t yet that impressive. But he said Hustler always keeps its eyes open and on top of the developing IPTV technologies and he wouldn't rule out a good fit.

Perhaps Google’s participation will bolster the acceptance of IPTV and give adult the needed shot in the arm.

Cable TV content provider Cable Entertainment Distribution (CED) President Marc Bruder told XBIZ he is a big supporter of IPTV and thinks the Google move will undoubtedly help adult. “It's a natural fit. Google bought YouTube some time ago so there is a built-in social network actively searching and accessing adult content.”

James McQuivey, media analyst with Forrester Research said that having Sony as a partner might even help Google power the TV of the future. He said that 10 million TVs will be sold with internet connectivity by 2011 that could allow Google to extend its operating system that now powers Android phones, inexpensive netbook laptops and tablet computers.

The analyst noted that Google could control how users navigate and then use the data to “…extend its wildly profitable advertising and search businesses.”

"The potential impact of reaching people when they're fully engaged by a 52-inch TV," McQuivey said, "and having that sponsored by advertising, that's very powerful."

And what could be more powerful and engaging than watching sex?

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Texas Resumes AV Lawsuit Against Aylo Following SCOTUS Decision

A district court judge in Texas has unfrozen the state’s $1.6 million lawsuit against Aylo for allegedly failing to comply with age verification requirements, Bloomberg Law is reporting.

JuicyAds Wins Trademark Infringement Case Against Fraudulent Domain

JuicyAds has won its World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) case against a website using a similar domain to impersonate the company's site and defraud customers.

Anissa Kate, Jordan Starr Top AEBN for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top-selling stars for the second quarter of 2025, with Anissa Kate landing atop the leaderboard for straight theaters and Jordan Starr heading up the gay rankings.

AEBN Reveals Eva Maxim as Top Trans Star for Q2 of 2025

AEBN has published its top trans stars list for the second quarter of 2025, with Eva Maxim landing atop the leaderboard.

France Reinstates Age Verification Rule for EU Sites

France’s highest court, the Council of State, on Tuesday reinstated age verification rules for EU-based sites under the country’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law, ruling in favor of the French government and against Hammy Media.

Whisper Fans Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Whisper Fans has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Utherverse Launches 'Red Light Center' Virtual World

Virtual reality and metaverse technology company Utherverse has launched its new virtual world, RedLightCenter.io.

European Commission Approves AV Guidelines, Unveils Prototype App

The European Commission on Monday released its final, approved guidelines for protecting minors online under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) and made public a “white label” age verification app intended to help sites and platforms comply with age verification rules under the DSA.

Show More