As I’ve mentioned before, Google TV stumbled out of the gate due to a combination of factors – high prices, limited features, lack of polish, etc. Google TV efforts were effectively put on hold once it became obvious it needed an overhaul to compete, and we’re been waiting for that upgrade for many months now. The overhaul will take the form of an OS upgrade to one based on Android 3.1 Honeycomb, which will bring a new UI with new functionality, most importantly access to the Android Market for apps. Running apps will really bust Google TV open on the feature front, and could inject new life into the platform. There are already a number of apps specifically for Google TV. It seems like Google is willing to keep plugging away at it, as they did with Android on smartphones, and integrating new services like Google Movies and Google Music are likely to be a big part of it.
Of course, first we need the update. And while it was promised for ‘summer’, that came and went with nothing more than a rough leak. Now there are indications that the upgrade will finally land in November, and Zatz Not Funny got their hands on a number of screenshots from the new software. Personally I think it looks pretty good and I’m looking forward to it.
