Logitech launches Google TV Revue box

The Gadget Show  Thursday 07 October 2010

Turn your ordinary TV into a Google TV

Logitech has officially launched the Revue, a set-top box capable of bringing the full spectrum of Google TV content to any HD TV.

Launched at a special event in New York last night, the Revue will integrate not only with TVs but with some DVRs and other DLNA kit too, and launches with a range of accessories including a compact QWERTY keyboard, an HD webcam for video conferencing and a mini remote control, plus apps for Android, iPhone and iPad.

The basic package will include the Revue box, along with the keyboard and mini remote, and will cost $299 when it starts shipping in the US at the end of the month.

While some TV makers, including Sony, are preparing new product lines with Google TV access built right in, Logitech’s approach lets users access the service using their existing TV via HDMI cable, with all the technical wizardry taking place on the Revue set-top box itself.

Google TV is designed to integrate fully with Android smartphones and will be able to run Android apps, while users will be able to transfer content directly between the service and their Android handset.

The Logitech Revue supports HD video conferencing (via the $149 Logitech TV Cam) and split screen viewing – so you can search for info on a programme you’re watching without pausing, for example – for added multimedia street cred.

For now, we’re still looking with envy as Google TV’s potential starts to take shape in the US. Our best guess is that the service – along with the Logitech Revue – will arrive in the UK at some point in 2011.