A Thumb Size Android 4.0 embedded platform, specifically geared for use in smart TV sets.
It allows the TV to connect to the internet.

Just like Google’s Android powered mobile phones, SmartCandy Google TV allows for download and installation of additional Android applications…

link via smartcandy.hk

It looks like a lot of companies are going to be dipping their toes in the TV waters this year. ASUS just announced Qube, its first Google TV device. We’re on our way to meet with ASUS but for now we do have a shot of the Boxee Box-like Qube by ASUS. The Qube apparently integrates voice and motion control, although it’s not immediately apparent how the latter works (it seems to be via an included remote). The name Qube comes from the cube UI that users can control with the remote or an Android app.

We just spent some time with the device, which should launch in February. The Qube uses the new Marvell ARMADA 1500 platform that other Google TV platforms use now. The Qube user interface is pretty straight forward, with each face of the Qube home to a different selection of apps/tasks. Transition animations weren;t really smooth, at least on this demo system.

The remote features a full QWERTY keyboard on the flip side, sort of like the Boxee Box remote but with a much better feel…

link via anandtech.com

“Marketers see blood in the water, and in 2013 they will release the sharks.

This is not a bad thing, but the old days of getting the full entertainment experience on screen 1 (TV, movies) is quickly coming to an end. Companies will expect you to watch their shows and see their product pitches with smartphone in hand and tablet (still usually the iPad) on your lap.”

link via mashable.com

Infographics

“Akamai, the Web optimization company whose servers deliver up to 30 percent of Web traffic, is setting its sights on creating a TV technology that can detect what a person is watching and stream secondary content to a smartphone or tablet in near real-time.The aim, the company says, is to take today’s fast-growing but chaotic landscape of TV “companion” apps – such as ones delivering athlete stats to people watching the Olympics, or crime-fighting details to CSI junkies—and make it easier to create and see such additional content.”

link via http://www.technologyreview.com

An excellent article that summarize all the major changes and developments of Samsung’s Smart TV platform.

link