Samsung, LG to roll out Google TV products at CES

Google will introduce new Google TV models through LG Electronics, Samsung Electronics and MediaTek at next week`s 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

On its official blog Thursday, Google said, “LG Electronics will introduce a new Google TV model at CES, and Samsung Electronics will unveil a product in the second half.”

Other producers including Marvell Technology, Sony and Vizio will also join the Google group to introduce new pilot products.

The biggest advantages of new Google TVs are “simple interface” and “convenient watching of YouTube videos,” Google said, adding that functions are being further added as new apps are developed every day.

Having started as an Internet search engine, Google has expanded its business boundary by taking over YouTube and others, and has emerged as the largest operating system provider for smartphones with its Android. Conquering the IT ecosystem in all different frontiers, Google is now poised to take over the TV market.

Samsung and LG have joined the Google faction, albeit grudgingly. If Google TV is successful, it will have to further depend on Google`s operating systems and could see the turf of smart TVs made by the two Korean companies shrink.

LG will proactively introduce its new Google TV product at CES, while Samsung will focus on promoting its smart TVs and just announce the schedule for the release of its Google TV at the Las Vegas exhibition.

jaeyuna@donga.com