As if the media behemoth hasn't conquered enough territory: Google has now reportedly partnered with Intel and Sony to create its own TV service that would incorporate Web content with the latest generation of networkable flat-panel TVs.

Based on the same open source Android operating system that Google developed for mobile smartphones, the technology would be provided to developers for creating Web-based applications that can be accessible from a TV. This might be through a direct connection to a network-capable TV; or via a network-connected set-top box. Reportedly Logitech, makers of the popular Harmony brand of universal remote controls, will be making peripherals, like handheld remotes and keyboards, to work with the Google TV function.

Why would you need to access the ‘Net on a TV? The reasons, and possibilities, are endless. Aside from the obvious ability to access online streaming videos from sites like YouTube and conducting basic Web searches, much more sophisticated integration can be achieved through the Internet TV partnership. Much like what the Blu-ray format is attempting to achieve with BD Live, there might be the ability to search information on an actor while watching a movie or TV show; or even buy items seen in the program via the click of a button on the TV remote. Also think of accessing social networking Websites, like Facebook and Twitter, whilst commercials are playing in the background.

Internet on the TV isn't a new concept by any means, nor one isolated to Google. Many manufacturers are incorporating Web widgets and forging partnerships with Web content providers to bring online content to the home theatre. There are also plenty of products already on the market that integrate the two; from DLNA technology to Apple TV and TiVo. But a major company like Google entering the mix could mark a major step forward in the integration of Web and TV.

The Software Developer Kit (SDK) are said to be in the hands on developers within the next few months.

Article Tags:  google, content, ability, online, internet, major, access, integration, network, reportedly, based, technology, developers, remote,