Google and Dish Network are testing a search service that would
enable users to find video content on conventional TV and on the
Internet, according to a report in the
Wall Street
Journal.
The test, which uses Google's Android software, could determine
whether TV viewers would favor Web-like searches over the use of
remote control searches, which usually involve the use of menus and
much clicking around via a TV's remote control. The test is said to
be restricted to a small number of set-top boxes in the hands of
Google employees.
The experiment is another indication that a wide range of companies
is seeking to take advantage of the emerging convergence of TV and
Internet video offerings. Google and Dish Network officials have
declined to discuss the test publically. Google's chief executive,
Eric Schmidt, however, has suggested that Android technology could
be used by TV hardware manufacturers.
"It makes sense that people would use Android as an operating
system for set-top boxes, buddy boxes and TVs," he said, according
to published reports. "All of those ideas have been proposed by our
partners."
Two years ago, Google teamed up with satellite TV provider Dish
Network to test the automation of ad buying, delivery sales, and
metrics to study how TV search and advertising operate. At the time
Schmidt said that test was important because Google said it
believed it could add value to TV by delivering more relevant ads
to viewers.
The 2007 experiment was also meant to test the waters by providing
better accountability for advertisers and to better monetize
inventory for TV operators and programmers.