Google and Apple in iTV content talks

iCouch potatoes

By John Leyden • Get more from this author

Posted in Music and Media, 18th September 2006 09:58 GMT

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Google is reportedly in talks with Apple about the possibility of supplying video clips for Apple's forthcoming iTV device.

The iTV device, due to be released early next year at a price of around $299, allows users to watch video files stored on their PC on their televisions. The kit consists of a video streaming player within a "set-top box" that uses wireless technology to play streaming video on a TV.

The capabilities of the device are broadly similar to Wintel set top boxes already on the market but, as with the iPod, Apple hopes the ignite the home "convergence" entertainment market.

Talks between Google and Apple could allow iTV users access to thousands of videos submitted to Google video via a simple menu item, Newsweek reports. Other menu items would allow you to play movie trailers.

That's all well and good but it's hard to see the market for media devices, such as Apple's iTV, taking off until content providers make downloading movie and TV shows an easier and cheaper alternative to renting or buying DVDs. Prices and download speeds aren't yet attractive enough to persuade anyone but tech-enthusiasts to get on board.®

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