When Will Google TV Come to Canada?

What Google TV was

Google TV was a platform that brought the web to the television. It combined regular TV channels with the Chrome browser, search and apps, so one screen could show programs, websites, video, photos and games. Google pitched it as opening up the TV from a few hundred channels to the whole web.

How it worked

• Search first: type the name of a channel, show, site or app and go straight to it.
• Browse as usual: the normal program guide, a DVR or the Google TV home screen gave quick access to favourite content.
• Built on Android: this allowed wide customization and a familiar feel for people who already used Android phones.

Why it mattered

The idea resembled Apple TV but took a more open approach, and support from large TV makers such as Sony gave it weight. The open question at the time was how much interest buyers would show in a web-connected TV.

What it meant for Canada

Canadians are used to waiting for new technology, and Google TV was no exception. The announced release covered the United States in the fall, and Canada had no date. Buying in the US and importing the device was the workaround people mentioned.