The technology practice of convergence has been elevated with the fusion of computer and television. Exemplifying this, computer and software giants like Apple and Google have each thrown a hat in the ring. Apple first introduced its own television box for accessing movies and television programs, as well as streaming content from the likes of YouTube and Netflix. Meanwhile, Google and Sony have teamed up to design TVs with built-in Internet capability.
The Good
1. For the first time, the Internet and television are one. Users can search for a topic online and in their TV listings at the same time, and find websites that are related to a program they are watching and vice versa.
2. It’s no longer necessary to look up to watch television while trying to look down at a computer screen to browse the Internet. Google TV, for instance, offers Dual View capability to access the Internet and watch TV simultaneously, allowing users to have fun Tweeting cheers during an American Idol performance.
3. Viewing websites and multimedia on a 40-inch screen is much more appealing than on a computer screen. The picture quality is much higher and colors are significantly clearer.
The Bad
1. Going online with a television is very different from just clicking away on a computer. Users will have to spend time getting familiar with the remote controls provided with most Internet TVs and their nuances.
2. Splitting the television screen between a program and the web can be rather awkward. Neither will come into focus as desired by most viewers.
3. The size of the average TV may throw off most Internet users; trying to move an icon 50-inches isn’t really ideal. If popular, Internet TVs just might spur a whole new kind of web design.
The verdict will ultimately fall in the hands, or wallets, of consumers, based upon these and other characteristics that show promise and those that are going to need work.