14 DAY TRIAL // While we are still waiting for Google to release the 2.0 version of its Google TV platform, hackers have now managed to get this new Honeycomb-based operating system running on Logitech's Revue set-top box.
The good news is that installing Android 3.1 on the Revue doesn't require any hardware mods like a previous hacks that has appeared online.
Instead, this only asks for a FAT32 formatted USB drive which will hold the updated firmware and a few tricks meant to get the Logitech set-top box to reboot into a special update mode.
The whole update procedure is explained in detail on the GTV Hacker forums (requires registration), but is also available from other websites (one such link is here).
Before heading over to upgrade your Revue to Google TV 2.0, it must be noted that the current operating system version is considered unfinished and that it doesn't allow users to revert back to the original Google TV build.
In addition, it's also unclear whether the leaked firmware can be updated to the stable release of Honeycomb for Google TV once that version is released.
The Google TV 2.0 platform is based on the same Honeycomb 3.1 operating system used to power some recent Android tablets, but this was modified in order to become better suited for large screen HDTVs.
One of the most important features brought by this update is the support for the Google Market application store, but owners will also receive a “simplified user experience.”
At the end of last week, Logitech has announced that it has dropped the price of its Google TV set-top box from $249 to $99 and also reaffirmed the fact that the version 2.0 firmware update will arrive by the end of this summer. The update will be free of charge for all Revue owners.