Not too long ago we got word that Google is working on a TV search project with Dish Network, and now there's all indication the search giant wants even more direct involvement with the television ecosystem. According to the New York Times, they're partnering with Intel and Sony in a new Android-based platform literally dubbed Google TV.

The new set-top box will allow users to surf online video from the comforts of the couch, and will compete with the likes of the Popbox and the Boxee Box we got our hands on at CES this year, the Roku set-top device, and to a few extent video game consoles that have the ability to stream content from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and others. Beyond straight up video, the idea is to give users an interface to access popular social web sites like Twitter and browse photos on sharing sites like Google-owned Picasa on their TVs as well.

As with Android itself, Google TV will probable be an open source platform, with Sony stepping up to manufacture the first hardware that will run it - likely including both set-top boxes and internet-connected TVs. In the meantime, peripherals manufacturer Logitech is reportedly working on accessories for Google TV devices like a remote control with a small keyboard.

The project is reported to be a few months in already, though without official commentary from Google itself the news technically remains in rumor status.

Labels: Google, google features, google tv, google updates

I use Google Reader a lot - not only to stay on top of the news, but also to find interesting blog posts and articles. I'm always telling my friends about Google Reader, and while some of them love it, others don't want to take the time to set it up. For those of you who fall into this second category, we're announcing Google Reader Play, a new product that makes the best stuff in Reader more accessible for everyone. Reader Play is a new way to browse interesting stuff on the web, customized to the topics you're interested in, with no setup required.

Items in Reader Play are presented one at a time, and images and videos are automatically enlarged to maximize the viewing experience. We use the technology behind Recommended Items in Reader to populate Reader Play with the most interesting content on the web. While you don't need a Google account to use Reader Play, your experience will be personalized if you sign in. As you browse, you can let us know which items you enjoy by clicking the "like" button, and we'll use that info to show you other content we think you'll enjoy.


We think Reader Play is a fun way to browse interesting items online that you wouldn't find otherwise. We designed it especially for people who don't want to spend time curating their own set of feeds - but folks who already use Reader can easily use it to read their feeds as well. Just click the feed settings menu on any feed in Reader and select "View in Reader Play." We're launching Reader Play as an experiment in Google Labs so that we can test it out, get feedback from you and then improve it as quickly as possible. Visit google.com/reader/play to give it a try, and let us know what you think!

Ref Link: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/finding-awesome-stuff-online-with.html

Labels: Google, google features, google updates, New feature in google

More than ever before, people are sharing and storing their photos online. But until recently, you had to edit your photos using client software on your computer. Today, we're excited to announce that Google has acquired Picnik, one of the first sites to bring photo editing to the cloud. Using Picnik, you can crop, do touch-ups and add cool effects to your photos, all without leaving your web browser.

We're not announcing any significant changes to Picnik today, though we'll be working hard on integration and new features. As well, we'd like to continue supporting all existing Picnik partners so that users will continue to be able to add their photos from other photo sharing sites, make edits in the cloud and then save and share to all relevant networks.

We're very impressed with the Picnik team and the product they've created, and we're excited to welcome them to Google. We're looking forward to collaborating closely with them to improve the online photo editing experience on the web. In the meantime, we encourage you to head to Picnik, import some of your photos from Picasa Web Albums, Flickr or Facebook and try your hand at photo editing in the cloud!

Ref Link: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/google-welcomes-picnik.html

Labels: Google, google features, google updates, New feature in google