Well, all the hype about a Google OS-powered computer at CES was for naught.  After I posted about the hype, I got to thinking that Google isn't ready to put out such a device.  The rest of the content delivery stuff is not in place yet.  That is an important "yet", because the thing that Google did announce at CES is a big step toward a more complete Google content delivery system.  From what I've read, the Google Video Store will let you download-to-own and download-to-rent shows from CBS, basketball games, music videos, and even indie films.

I'm not all that stoked because I already record my favourite TV shows (Windows Media Center in my living room) and watch them on-demand.  And I skip over the commercials.  If everyone did that, the commercial makers would not be so interested in sponsoring TV shows.  If a computer in the living room is the future of media / entertainment, a pay-for-content model like Google is creating is probably going to be necessary (and no doubt coupled with increased product placements in content).

I wonder if the next evolution will be set-top boxes offering Google Video Store downloads via the remote control.  These could come from Google but more likely would be partnerships with existing set-top providers.

  Disclaimer  |   |