Google TV: More Work-Play Convergence

One of the biggest gripes you hear about technology today is that it lets work follow you home — follow you anywhere, really — thanks to cell phone, smart phones, laptops, and just the good old internet, especially via WiFi. Soon you may no longer be able to escape in front of the TV, sunk into a seamy reality show or glued to some form of ball game or other. Idle clicking through the empty TVerse may no longer be the innocent time waster that it now is. Google is coming, Google is coming.

The plan is for Google TV to launch this fall. (Canadians can probably relax: chances are it’ll be some time later that we’ll be allowed to approach this wonder.) It’s still a trifle unclear what it’s all about, so Google’s been putting out explanations and videos here there and everywhere.

As I understand it, Google TV involves a box that will bring a Linux version of their browser, Chrome, to your TV. You can use this and the associated software to search for programs you like, record your picks, schedule shows, etc. You’ll be searching not only the channels supplied by your cable or satellite provider but also, if you wish, material on the internet. And this is where it gets tricky. From what I gather you can use the browser to access the internet generally, opening the door to the possibility of seriousness of the “work” kind. It won’t happen right away: I haven’t seen reports that Logitech, one of Google’s partners in this venture, is developing a keyboard — but it’s bound to come. And there you’ll be: the pregame show is already underway and you’re saying, “Yes, yes, just another second, hon. Promise. I’ve just got to proof this last paragraph of the contract.”

For good or ill, Google, Sony, and Logitech are on schedule to . . . further complexify that family room of yours. These two videos will give you the upside of what you’re in for.