CES: Microsoft takes on Apple and Google TV

Posted by Steve Safran on January 4, 2011

Microsoft is entering the set-top box competition for your TV, according to a report in the Seattle Times. Joining the ranks of Apple TV and Google TV, Windows TV looks to enter this emerging market.

Microsoft is introducing the product at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week, and several reports have pinned the price point at about $200. That may be a tough sell, with Apple TV now going for $99. Google TV appears to have more bugs to work out; it has reportedly asked its partners to pull their Google TV appliances from CES while it refines the software.

While this is an emerging market, it’s certainly growing. The NPD Group reports that internet-connected TVs now account for 12 percent of all flat-panel TV sales.

Microsoft CEO’s keynote at CES will be streamed live here, Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. PT.

UPDATE: LR commenter Josh Braun raises an excellent point: Shouldn’t Microsoft have this software on its XBoxes? Sure enough, that’s reportedly part of the plan.

Filed Under CES 2011, internet TV, TV apps

http://wideaperture.net/blog/ Josh Braun

The cord-cutting crowd are already watching a lot of content on their Xboxes, no? Might Microsoft do better to brand that device more broadly, to sell to a bigger audience, than to create another device that they’ll have to struggle to define to consumers in the face of stiff competition from the likes of Google, Apple, and aggressive startups like Roku and Boxee? I don’t get what they see as the advantage here of yet another box when they’ve already got a great toehold with Xbox.
invitedmedia

i can’t wait for this free googletv (logitech revue) to be held in the same high esteem my old pong unit of ~40 years ago is.

the way the technology is moving today that should occur in a matter of moments.
http://lostremote.com/ Safran

And sure enough, that’s what they’re doing. I’ll add your excellent point.
http://wideaperture.net/blog/ Josh Braun

Aha! That makes more sense. Thanks!
lawren7615

I can’t wait to see How much an Apple all in one TV costs because we all know Apple will not give you choice. The arrogance of Apple may be its doom. They will never allow A sony, panasonic vizio etc TV to run there software. They count on people to buy there brand no matter what the cost. Choice between brands Apple will never go for it.
The Unknown Known

I still have a nice bicycle and cute women make me sway as it is.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_AY6EB7MJ4ZJG3IEC6YSZITJBTQ Erik Russell

XBox might work for some if you like that humongous box, and like separating TV time from Gaming time. Google TV is amazing. Recently added it to my home system and can’t tell you how much easier it has made navigating and enjoying my system. With all wireless, and a tiny box, I can Google search for my favorite actors, themes, titles, as well as enjoy back-and-forth gaming on tuner 2, PIP and tons more. I work at DISH and their system is up and running beautifully. Take a look at dish.com/Googletv to find out more!
http://www.playgamesasap.com/word-games.html Aaronleafmore

I dont watch tv a lot I just play xbox games for my entertainment , and the apps for ipad tv the google tv there is a bug on it, but they working on just to fix something