A little over a year ago Google, with much fanfare, launched Google TV. Unfortunately, things didn't quite pan out as well as Google or its partners (Sony, Logitech and Intel) had hoped.
Even an infusion of pop culture icon Kevin Bacon couldn't rescue Google TV.
However, big changes are underway at the Googleplex that Google hopes will change the fortunes of of the struggling service.
Google TV, Take Two
According to an article in Business Insider, the first big change to the service is that "Google TV will present all content in one interface regardless of source -- when you look for comedy shows or movies, for instance, you get your cable shows, Netflix rentals, and (critically) YouTube videos all arranged next to one another."
This move is part of Google’s plans to transform YouTube into more of a “leanback” experience, make TV more social and challenge the dominance of traditional broadcast and cable television providers.
YouTube, The New Cable TV
In addition, Google announced that YouTube would partner with dozens of content creators to bring quality original programming to the platform.
Demonstrating the wide range of channels that will be rolling out over the next several months, the well-known names participating as creators include Madonna, Jay-Z, Amy Poehler, Rainn Wilson, Shaquille O’Neal, Sofia Vergara, Tony Hawk and Ashton Kutcher.
To aid YouTube viewers with discovery, the channels will be grouped into topic categories such as pop culture, sports, music, health and fitness, animals, and domestic design, as well as categories organized by demographics like age range and ethnic identity.
That's my two cents. So what do you think? Is this new and improved YouTube content experience a threat to cable TV?
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