Google TV Struggling; Yanked From CES

Here's just another story regaling the struggles of Google TV.  Highlights include complex user interface, lack of top quality content (see networks not wanting to release TV episodes), and overall confusion on it's capabilities to laymen users.

Says NYT...

From Sharp to LG, top TV makers were planning to unveil Google TV-enabled devices at The Consumer Electronics Show next month. In light of poor reviews, however, Google has reportedly asked that they keep quiet for now.

"The late request caught some of the manufacturers off guard," reports The New York Times. "And it illustrates the struggles Google faces as it tries to expand into the tricky, unfamiliar realm of consumer electronics, and drum up broad interest in a Web-based TV product that consumers want."

"Conventional wisdom on Google TV: Not ready for prime time," notes MediaMemo, adding: "Google apparently agrees."

"The search giant is re-tooling the software to address the concerns of reviewers and early adopters citing the complexity of the software, its inconsistent interface, and the lack of top content as problems with adoption," writes Fortune, joking: "Surprisingly, people don't want to use a full-size keyboard as a remote in the living room."

"Google TV was supposed to be one of the stars of the show at the Consumer Electronics Show next month in Las Vegas," writes VentureBeat. "But the star just got the hook."

Another minor issue with Google TV, as eWeek notes, is that "Google has also found its service blocked from accessing Websites from CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox as the networks were leery of allowing Google to server their content for free."

Meanwhile, analysts tell The Times that Google's sudden change of plans reflects a weakness in the company's business culture around managing relationships with partners. "Google as a company is not a particularly partner-friendly or partner-focused company," says Forrester's James McQuivey.

Two New Touchscreen Phones To Blow Your Mind

Whether they are late in the game, adding to the chaos, or merely taking a stab at revenue (because we know they all need it), LG and Toshiba have both leaked photos and plans for new touch screen phones.

The LG Arena and the Toshiba TG01 are both slick and ready to use handsets. While LG has been hinting at this release for awhile, Toshiba really came out of left field with this one. The Mobile World Congress is coming up in Barcalona and both of these announcements are timed well to not get completely lost in the noise that is certainly to come.

AT&T Launching Touch Screen Phone For PCs

I agree, it is both confusing and silly that AT&T would launch a touch screen phone that is similarly priced as an iPhone ($199). But hey, what the hell do I know. The LG Incite comes loaded with Windows 6.1 operating system, 3G capabilities, GPS opportunities, WiFi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0, and a 3.0″ touchscreen. It has a full multi-tasking operating system with access to your Microsoft Outlook and other mailbox contacts, calendars, and tasks. You can edit Microsoft Office documents - Mobile Word, Excel, OneNote. View PowerPoint and Adobe® PDF attachments.

I get it, its a corporate friendly touch screen, which does have value I guess. But isn't AT&T already banking on the new iPhone OS being more Microsoft product friendly? Is this a secondary option to that end?

"I'm a PC" commercial lovers eat your heart out.