Myriad Alien Vue brings Google TV apps to existing HDTVs, set-top boxes (video)

Couch potatoes may soon be able to get a more complete Android app experience without leaving the living room, or picking up a tablet or smartphone. Myriad's new Alien Vue is a customizable OEM platform that enab

les TV and set-top box manufacturers to bring Android to their existing products, adding support for apps designed for Google TV and HT

ML5.

Myriad is the developer behind Alien Dalvik, which allows you to run Android apps on non-Android devices, including iOS and MeeGo. Alien Vue brings that concept to the living room, and includes a branded app store, web browser and portable device control, letting you control your TV and other home theater devices using a phone or tablet. But unlike Dalvik, it'll be up to manufacturers to add support for Vue -- you won't be hacking your TV and installing the software yourself. We'll be bringing you a full hands-on from CES, but jump past the break for a quick video demo.

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"Google TV" Televisions Blu Ray and PVR

Web TV how it should be, from the masters of search

http://www.google.com/tv

Logitech, the only company that's currently selling the Google TV, has cut the price of the device by more than half following disappointing sales.

Originally launched at $300 last October, now the "Revue" Google TV can be yours for just $99. This is not a response in preparation to launch a new Google TV, reports the FT, as all Revue boxes will be eligible for upgrades when a new version of the software is launched at the end of the summer. At this point, all existing customers will receive an upgrade.

Logitech has said the price cut is intended to boost product uptake, but the group admitted that in spite of a price cut to $250 back in May, demand failed to materialise. It now seems stronger measures are needed. The new price puts the Google TV at the same level as the Apple TV, which has fewer functions. The Google product gives you a wireless keyboard, allows web browsing and lets you stream content from computers located around the house.

The upgraded version of the Revue, due at the end of the summer, will be built on Android 3.1. It will offer a simplified user experience and access to the Android Market - two elements for which Google has received criticism.

UK consumers cannot yet buy the Google TV, but the progress of the technology is of interest as it affects how soon we can expect an international launch. The initial launch of the Apple TV many years ago proved the world was not yet ready for what was in essence a good idea, and from the first stumbles of the Google TV it could seem not much has changed.

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