Google to sell web TV’s with Panasonic

Search engine giant Google has branched further into the ether by announcing a partnership with Japanese electronic giant Panasonic, to manufacture web enabled televisions. According to a report on StrategyEye, the two companies plan to sell flat panel monitors which will enable users to access YouTube videos and view online photo albums from Picasa, the Google-owned online photo service, in the US in late Q1 2008

Such a deal isn’t a first. Software giant Microsoft, has been selling its Windows MCE Internet platform for some time, however sceptics would point to the fact that previous launches of similar products have not exactly set the world alight. Panasonic however are to monitor sales before deciding whether to sell the products in other parts of the world.

However I would suggest the impending launch of IPTV services (in the UK) could make the purchase of such products more attractive to potential customers, particularly given the move towards digital later this year.

Add comment January 8th, 2008