Logitech today showcased its Google TV media center, the Logitech Revue. The Revue builds on the strongest features of Google TV, complementing the platform with powerful hardware and a number of peripherals.
Google TV is designed to quickly deliver the content you want directly to your TV. This includes anything from media on your hard drives to online media from sources like YouTube. As we learned earlier this week, the Google TV platform will support the Android Marketplace, meaning that any app you enjoy on your mobile device will be playable through your TV. So, anything from Angry Birds to Netflix can be launched from Google TV. Like Android, the Google TV platform is very much open and expandable.
The Logitech Revue runs on a 1.2Ghz Intel Atom CE4100 processor, so device functions are snappy and fluid. This horsepower will come in handy when the Revue is coupled with the Logitech TV Cam.
The wide-angle TV Cam features a Carl Zeiss lens and is designed for video chatting from the comfort of your living room. It utilizes the new Logitech Vid HD app for messaging. The software will also be available for OS X and PC, so Revue users will be able to video chat with anyone who owns a computer and a web cam.
Perhaps the most important factor, however, is Revue’s focus on simplicity. With devices of this nature there are often a number of complex connections needed to make the device function in conjunction with your other home theater devices.
Logitech has tackled this conundrum by embedding the same Harmony Link technology found in its Harmony remotes directly into the Revue. When setting up your Revue, simply input the model numbers of your TV, receiver, etc. and Revue will interpret remote commands and rebroadcast them via built-in IR blasters.
The Revue also adds to the Harmony family with an all new wireless keyboard that comes bundled in the package. The RF keyboard features all the standard Android buttons along with a trackpad. Logitech is also separately selling a rebooted diNovo Mini Keyboard with Android buttons. Neither keyboards are necessary, however, as apps are being released for both Android and iPhone that provide a high level of control over the Google TV platform.
The Logitech Revue functions as a sort of home theater middleman. Instead of running your cable box or satellite receiver directly into your TV, these devices will be connected to your Revue and it will in turn connect to your TV via HDMI.
As a result, the Logitech Revue avoids scrambled signals and is able to function with any provider, a fact that anyone who has used a home theater PC will appreciate. There is, however, a strategic partnership with DISH Network, that creates a deeper level of integration between Revue and DISH satellite receivers. While other DVRs will be accessible, the partnership enables Revue to actually search content stored on a DISH DVR and then quickly play it.
As the release of Google TV gets closer, it’s beginning to appear that it may have been worth the wait. The biggest question now is whether it will be worth the price: The Logitech Revue will be $299 when it launches later this month. The box comes bundled with the standard wireless keyboard. You’ll have to pony up an additional $130 for the Mini Controller and $150 for the TV Camera.
Reviews: Android, Logitech Z523, YouTube
More About: apple, Apple TV, DISH, dish network, Google, google tv, home theater, htpc, logitech, Logitech Revue, media
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