14 DAY TRIAL // Google is joggling several big projects at a time and it seems that they are starting to have something in common, delays. Chrome OS has been pushed back at least six months and it looks like Google TV is not faring any better. Amidst lukewarm reception, Google has apparently asked hardware partners to hold back on any big launches or announcements at the upcoming CES while the company polishes the next big software update.
The New York Times reports that, according to sources, only Samsung and Vizio will be showing off Google TV devices at the massive expo and only Samsung will do it publicly, on the show floor.
Meanwhile, Toshiba, LG Electronics and Sharp, which were ready to debut devices at CES have delayed their plans while Google works on a software update which would fix some of the biggest complaints about the platform.
Most of the issues came from the lack of content, due to many providers blocking Google TV devices from accessing their websites. All four major networks in the US, Hulu and others are blocking users of Google TV. Shows on the websites are freely accessible from regular desktops.
However, there have been complaints about the platform too, as various issues plagued early adopters. There haven't been any new devices since the initial ones from Sony and Logitech.
TV manufacturers have now missed this holiday season and it looks like the big wave of Google TV devices will be coming sometime later next year.
Google TV has already gotten an update earlier this month. The next one though promises to be more substantial as it will include support for the Android Marketplace and various fixes.
The consumer electronics market, one that Google is only now venturing into, poses challenges that the company is not accustomed to. Google has a philosophy of pushing products in beta and then frequently add small fixes, updates and new features, building the product as it goes. But that approach may not be the best one for devices which people expect to work and be complete out of the box.