We have heard rumors about Google working on an entertainment platform like Android TV for quite some time now. However, according to a new report from GigaOm, Google will introduce the Android TV at the I/O conference this month. The report claims that the new platform will be a revamped version of Google TV platform and will focus mainly on bringing online media content and Android gaming to televisions rather than concentrating on the ‘apps for TV’.
Google TV, unveiled at I/O 2010, also operated on the same principle, but focussed on combing apps with paid TV content. According to the report, Google has been in talks with streaming service providers like Netflix and Hulu Plus. The Android TV will reportedly have a UI under the codename ‘Pano’ that presents TV show episodes and movies in a card-style interface.
Users will be able to select between the cards, which move horizontally, and watch movies or shows of their choice. Leaked image in April had shown similar card style interface that is close to the recent description of the report.
Google is expected to launch Android TV with a number of hardware partners. Meanwhile, it looks like Google’s streaming device Chromecast will remain independent.