Sony links up with Google to launch Android TVs and Blu-ray hardware

It might not be the Sony Google partnership many were anticipating PlayStation Phone now seemingly off the radar but Sony's decision to equip a new line of TVs and Blu-ray players with Android still guns for Apple, Apple TV.

Sony's new range of Android powered, internet capable HDTVs, officially unveiled this week, are exactly the kind of devices Google expects will ensure its new TV service ends up in plenty of living rooms in the coming years.

And, if rumours regarding an App Store for Apple TV are to be believed, their adoption will come just at the right time, with Reuters reporting Android Marketplace will accommodate apps designed to run on TVs at some point in 2011.

The next web

"There's a lot of folks out there who want to see something more out of their TV," said Sony VP of home products and services, Jeff Goldstein.

"I think the adoption rate on this type of device is going to be very fast."

So far, Sony has lifted the lid of four integrated HDTVS and a Blu-ray player, all of which have Intel Atom CPUs under the hood.

Given the internet nature of the devices, Sony is also bundling a QWERTY keypad and optical mouse with each unit, with consumers able to tap into a new of pre-installed multimedia and social networking apps from day one.

App happy

The question come 2011, however, is just how many developers are willing to branch out from mobile to serve up apps for the platform, and what tools will be provided to make it easier for them.

There will be a lot of devices out there however. Currently, the US has 2 million consumers with internet connected TVs according to Forrester Research, with that figure expected to rise to 43 million by 2015.

Sony's intended roll out, however, is set to be limited, at least initially. The range is set to make its debut exclusively in the US on October 16, for prices ranging between $599 and $1,399. The Blu-ray player will set consumers back $399.

A later launch in Europe and the UK is expected in 2011.

[source: Reuters]