Google moving away from the PC
Soon, accessing the Internet will no longer occur primarily on a computer, it’ll occur on televisions and smartphones. That’s what Google, widely known for its search engine and other web-based software, is betting with the recent release of its television operating system, Google TV™, and its smartphone operating system, Android™.
The Internet is on TV
Users wanting to bridge the gap between what they watch on their computer and television can now look to Google TV for an always-on Google search bar for their television. Once installed, the software allows users to search television programming just as simply as searching for information online. This makes it possible to both find and play online- and cable-based video content on big-screen living room televisions.
This is a great option for people who find themselves going back-and-forth between the computer and television to watch videos. Finally, with Google TV, users have one dedicated device that gives them virtually unlimited access to video content that’s available online. In addition to having a real Web browser, Google TV comes pre-installed with several applications such as Netflix® and YouTube™. Other applications that are expected to be added in the future include Hulu™, Skype® and a library of television games.
Building on smart technologies
An operating system with applications for something other than a PC isn’t new for Google. Google TV was built on top of Google’s successful Android smart phone platform. Android was developed to help Google gain market share in the growing mobile technology industry.
Internet-connected devices like those with Google TV and Android installed are becoming much more common. TechCrunch reported that by 2012, more than 20% of online searches will be conducted by mobile devices. Google believes that this number will grow exponentially considering its entrances into the mobile and television industry. But, unlike most technology or software companies, Google isn’t expecting a large revenue stream to come from licensing or selling its software.
The price of new technology
Even though Google started out as just a search engine, its growth doesn’t come from the development of technology. Like with its search business, its revenue stream lies in advertising. Last year, Google received 97% of its revenue—$5.3 billion from its advertising platform.
Google TV and Android simply provide Google with additional ways to advertise. Additional advertising on the television may detour some. But, Google ensures that their ads will be both targeted and unobtrusive. This means that while you’re searching for sports scores, you might get an ad by your search results to replace that old jersey for your favorite team. So, you won’t have to worry about annoying pop-ups through Google TV or Android.
By developing Google TV and Android operating systems, Google isn’t just betting on a more mobile future, but one that will better integrate the technologies we use today. For users, this not only means more ads, it also means that Google will continue to be woven into the fabric of the latest in information technology.
Google TV, Android and YouTube are trademarks of Google Inc.
Netflix is a registered trademark of Netflix Inc.
Hulu is a trademark of Hulu LLC.
Skype is a registered trademark of Skype Limited.
Resources
Blodget, H. (2010, August 5). Google's Android Is Making Boatloads Of Money, Says Schmidt. Business Insider. Retrieved from http://www.businessinsider.com/android-revenue-2010-8
Kameka, A. (2010, July 5). Android Market’s share of free apps twice as big as other platforms. Androinica. Retrieved from http://androinica.com/2010/07/05/android-markets-share-of-free-apps-twice-as-big-as-other-platforms/
Quick Tour. (n.d.). Google TV. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/tv/
Schonfeld, E. (2010, June 16). Report: Mobile Searches Estimated To Grow To 20 Percent Of Total By 2012. TechCrunch . Retrieved from http://techcrunch.com/2010/06/16/mobile-search-20-percent/
Warren, C. (2010, January 1). Android Market Hits 20,000 Apps. Mashable. Retrieved from http://mashable.com/2009/12/15/android-market-20000-apps/
