Logitech halts Google TV powered Revue box shipments

Logitech has temporarily stopped selling its Google TV-powered Revue set-top box until Google is able to make improvements to its still developing software. This is the latest hiccup for Google just one week after the company asked other partners to hold back on revealing new Google TV products a few months while problems are fixed.

Google remains an Internet powerhouse, but has struggled in its efforts to attract new users to its official entrance into the living room. As Google asks companies to be patient, it's likely a major overhaul is in the works, with an app market and other updates expected sometime early next year.

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This is a major problem for Google as it tried to enter a crowded market with software that clearly wasn't ready for prime-time. In fact, the Google TV was seen as one of the biggest tech disappointments of 2010, and TV viewers weren't scared to let Google hear their complaints.

Samsung was expected to make several Google TV announcements during CES, while other companies are expected to show off the software. However, Google asked LG Electronics, Toshiba, and Sharp not to actually launch any new Google TV products during the show.

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To make improvements in 2011, Google has two immediate problems that it must address. The Google TV GUI is rather confusing for first-time users, and there isn't enough transparency between actual Web browsing and using the apps. After users actually want to use the platform -- Google must work directly with broadcaster and content providers -- as Viacom recently blocked its internet content from Google TV. Cable networks ABC, CBS and NBC also blocked Google TV from playing their online content.

I expect Google to work itself out of this slump, but it will be a turbulent ride while more-established rivals prepare to protect their marketshare against the Android powered TV product.

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