...at the v3 software update. It also looks like the remote at least is slightly updated? The back button is on the left now! Rightly so. I'm all for making GTV faster! This Pulse has gotten more favorable reviews than the Vizio unit did when it first came out. A great start really. The fact that the IR blaster isn't/wasn't? (and maybe now is?) integrated into the remote is a considerable drawback. This was pretty standardized by other GTV boxes, why did they drop the ball on that? =/. I understand it's v3 hardware according to Google, so is that a spec bump from v2 hardware? On paper, the few specs given, there isn't a discernible difference to me.
GTV boxes have so much potential, and the thing that's most striking really, even though it lacks apps and what not, is just good support, by google themselves, and the hardware manufacturers. Updates are too few and far between. There are bugs, and quality control issues as well with all the units I've looked at. There's always reviews of any and all units occasionally crashing, or perhaps overheating at times, and just plain dying after a year or so... I do not understand why something so simple can be so hard to execute. Is it cost-cutting measures?
From someone that loved the Revue after the last update, when it worked reliably... I'm tired of other streaming solutions (Don't use it's DVR/STB functionality) looking more reliable =/.
Google needs to do an official Nexus device! Oh and actually put more weight into pushing it. The best implementations are probably in LG devices, but no doubt that's on LG putting a serious effort in it. I don't get why there's even room for so much error, should all these boxes have the same basic functionality OOB? Why does one manufacture struggle so much with some bugs and others don't? Ok rant over =P. Would love a comparison to other GTV boxes =).
Some nice small improvements, but still probably not as functional as a dual-core Android stick. (About the same price with controller.) Maybe if Google TV ever gets a real update, with Jelly Bean/KLP and everything...
They need proper software with NDK support first. A platform doesn't take off because of a Google branded device. It only does so when it's actually a platform you can use and develop for. V3 is still out for most use.
What benefits do those have? Simply the ability to run a lot of the smartphone/tablet apps? Why would anyone want to run those on a TV? They offer no comparative features otherwise.
Well, basically more apps, but those are useless to me if it's an unoptomized UI/experience. Plex serves my needs far better than XBMC, and the only way it'd run on those sticks would be the tablet versions, and I know I wouldn't want that. You're still left with apps that require touch input. How is that not a subpar experience even if you connect a kb/mouse, with no remote to power tv off/on or vol adjustments?
Would also love some coverage/review of Android devices (not GTV) meant for TV use.
In particular, the Archos TV connect seems very intriguing to me. It brings the full Android tablet interface with Google Play store to the TV, combined with Samba/DLNA/local media playback support with Archos' legendary codec support.
AS far as I'm aware gtv is still on Honeycomb is it not? I think the next gtv update may well jump straight to 4.2 or 5 as jelly bean 4.2 introduced loads of new remote screen/multiple display apis. These are clearly meant for a future version of gtv.
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EnzoFX - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
...at the v3 software update. It also looks like the remote at least is slightly updated? The back button is on the left now! Rightly so. I'm all for making GTV faster! This Pulse has gotten more favorable reviews than the Vizio unit did when it first came out. A great start really. The fact that the IR blaster isn't/wasn't? (and maybe now is?) integrated into the remote is a considerable drawback. This was pretty standardized by other GTV boxes, why did they drop the ball on that? =/. I understand it's v3 hardware according to Google, so is that a spec bump from v2 hardware? On paper, the few specs given, there isn't a discernible difference to me.GTV boxes have so much potential, and the thing that's most striking really, even though it lacks apps and what not, is just good support, by google themselves, and the hardware manufacturers. Updates are too few and far between. There are bugs, and quality control issues as well with all the units I've looked at. There's always reviews of any and all units occasionally crashing, or perhaps overheating at times, and just plain dying after a year or so... I do not understand why something so simple can be so hard to execute. Is it cost-cutting measures?
EnzoFX - Monday, January 14, 2013 - link
From someone that loved the Revue after the last update, when it worked reliably... I'm tired of other streaming solutions (Don't use it's DVR/STB functionality) looking more reliable =/.Google needs to do an official Nexus device! Oh and actually put more weight into pushing it. The best implementations are probably in LG devices, but no doubt that's on LG putting a serious effort in it. I don't get why there's even room for so much error, should all these boxes have the same basic functionality OOB? Why does one manufacture struggle so much with some bugs and others don't? Ok rant over =P. Would love a comparison to other GTV boxes =).
s44 - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
Some nice small improvements, but still probably not as functional as a dual-core Android stick. (About the same price with controller.) Maybe if Google TV ever gets a real update, with Jelly Bean/KLP and everything...Penti - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
They need proper software with NDK support first. A platform doesn't take off because of a Google branded device. It only does so when it's actually a platform you can use and develop for. V3 is still out for most use.EnzoFX - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
What benefits do those have? Simply the ability to run a lot of the smartphone/tablet apps? Why would anyone want to run those on a TV? They offer no comparative features otherwise.s44 - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
More content sources, including Hulu and other sites that block Google TV. XBMC if I want to run as a pure media box.EnzoFX - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
Well, basically more apps, but those are useless to me if it's an unoptomized UI/experience. Plex serves my needs far better than XBMC, and the only way it'd run on those sticks would be the tablet versions, and I know I wouldn't want that. You're still left with apps that require touch input. How is that not a subpar experience even if you connect a kb/mouse, with no remote to power tv off/on or vol adjustments?juancferrer - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
Google TV box shootout please!aryonoco - Tuesday, January 15, 2013 - link
Would also love some coverage/review of Android devices (not GTV) meant for TV use.In particular, the Archos TV connect seems very intriguing to me. It brings the full Android tablet interface with Google Play store to the TV, combined with Samba/DLNA/local media playback support with Archos' legendary codec support.
adriaaaaan - Friday, January 18, 2013 - link
AS far as I'm aware gtv is still on Honeycomb is it not? I think the next gtv update may well jump straight to 4.2 or 5 as jelly bean 4.2 introduced loads of new remote screen/multiple display apis. These are clearly meant for a future version of gtv.