Google plans to launch its Google TV platform in the US this season and worldwide next year, and is rumored to be in talks over a music download service to rival iTunes.
In a keynote speech at the IFA technology trade fair, CEO Eric Schmidt said Google is working with content providers to populate the Google TV service with video and other entertainment content.
Users will also be able to access online content - the service will project a search bar on the top of television screens that can be used to search the web and live TV listings, WSJ.comsaid.
The company plans to incorporate support for Flash, Android apps that don't use phone features, and speech-recognition control.
Under the plan first announced in May, Google TV will be incorporated into Sony televisions, or can be added to existing televisions through the Buddy Box set-top box.
Samsung yesterday revealed it was considering using Google's Android OS to build web-TV devices, but is also working on an OS that can be used for both phones and TVs.
A demonstration of Google TV showed the difference in approach between Google and Apple, with its more bare-bones Apple TV service, PC Worldsaid.
As well as competing in the web-TV space, Google and Apple may end up sparring in music downloads, according to recent reports.
Google is reportedly planning to launch an iTunes-rivaling music service by Christmas, to boost the appeal of its Android operating system.
The search giant is in talks with major music labels over the look and feel of the service, with discussions being headed by Andy Rubin the brains behind the Android platform, sources cited by Reuters said.
One music label executive said the Google service – dubbed Google Music – would be a credible rival to Apple’s dominant iTunes service in terms of reach, Wired reported.
Google’s purchase of online media firm Simplify Media in May has also prompted speculation it’s music service will be cloud based, allowing users to access their library of tunes while on the go, Wired said.
Apple could also launch a cloud-based version of iTunes using technology from LaLa Media, which it acquired in December.
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