googleTV

I recently purchased a Logitech Revue with Google TV for $99. It's an interesting device but it doesn't seem like it was finished, more of a beta product. They are planning an update to the software on it any day now which will hopefully make it more useful. It currently runs an old version of the Android operating system which i'm used to from my phone. The update will bring it to a newer version of Android that features the Android Market, where you can get apps(hopefully Angry Birds). The next version of Android (Ice Cream Sandwich) is due out in November and is supposed to bring together the phone, tablet, and TV versions. So the cool thing about this device is that you get free updates to the operating system.

My main reasons for purchasing the device was to be able to watch Amazon Video and YouTube and to be able to surf the web on the television. As an added bonus it also does streaming for Netflix. Netflix is a service that lets you rent dvds through the mail and also streams movies to you over the internet. Their library of streaming movies is always growing and changing. I was looking to replace Netflix with Amazon Video which has a similar free streaming service if you purchase Amazon Prime. The prices are comparable but I haven't yet made the switch. Amazon Prime also gives you free shipping when you use Amazon.

In the box you will find a keyboard with an integrated touchpad mouse, the device itself, and the wires needed to hook it up. I'm able to use just this keyboard to control everything about watching cable and controlling the television. It replaces my tv and cable remote entirely although I did have to manually add a few functions which was simple through the settings interface. Unfortunately it doesn't control the xbox or ps3 in any way. There's some integration with Logitech remotes. There's also an app for android phones that let you use your phone as a remote.

The device is definitely worth the $99 price tag and the future for it is looking promising.