Google is working on an internet TV service that will compete with the likes of Apple TV and Sony, according to a news report. The Wall Street Journal cities “people familiar with the matter” claiming that Google aims to replicate traditional TV content, but streamed over the internet rather than cable or satellite. The WSJ […]
Google is working on an internet TV service that will compete with the likes of Apple TV and Sony, according to a news report.
The Wall Street Journal cities “people familiar with the matter” claiming that Google aims to replicate traditional TV content, but streamed over the internet rather than cable or satellite.
The WSJ goes on to claim that Google has approached programmers about its plans in recent months, and has even provided a demonstration of its planned product.
Google will face considerable challenges in securing agreements from the major media companies, who will not want to risk their lucrative deals with traditional distributors.
It is believed that Google would have to accept a similar bundle structure in order to gain any major broadcasting broadcasting rights. This would involve offering a selection of channels to customers, with popular channels mixed in with less desirable ones.
This is the second time Google has attempted to push such a service, with the first unsuccessful attempt coming two years ago. The landscape has changed considerably since then, with on-demand online services such as Netflix and Hulu thriving and spreading around the world.
The move will put Google in competition with Sony, Intel and Apple, which are all known to be working on similar services.
This week it was reported that Apple is planning an advert-skipping technology for premium users of its own forthcoming TV service.
Read the full Wall Street Journal report here
