Review � Android 3.1-powered Google TV 2.0 and �Fishtank� developer program detailed

 

The original Google TV products were met by lukewarm reviews at best, and according to Geek.com, the search giant is hard at work on its new Google TV 2.0 product. Developers have been joining Google�s new �Fishtank� program to get early access to tools that will allow them to create compelling new content for Google�s next attempt at entering our living rooms. Google TV 2.0 runs a barebones version of Android 3.1 (Honeycomb) and there are reportedly only 50 developers partaking in the initial Fishtank program.

Fishtank includes an Intel CE4100 reference platform with a beta version of Google TV 2.0 preloaded, and a wireless keyboard. Intel�s Sodaville SoC, part of the CE4100 reference platform, also includes support for 3D gaming and Flash. Geek.com noticed a new �dual-view� feature that allows users to watch TV and use the OS at the same time; and the user interface has the same glowing-blue Tron-like effects as the tablet version of Honeycomb.

Developers are said to be up in arms over the �Live TV� application on Google TV 2.0 � many want to interact with the TV interface directly, but Google isn�t allowing that just yet. Will it be enough for Google to tackle Apple TV? We�ll have to wait and see. In the meantime, another shot of the box and a couple of UI images can be seen after the break.