Google TV Will Add Fitness, Smart Home Control Features
Changes are coming to the Google TV operating system. According to a report from Protocol, Google is looking to add fitness services, video conferencing, and better smart home controls to the Google TV smart TV platform. The enhancement to Google TV follows recent changes to Android (Android recently made smart home controls more easily accessible from a phone’s power menu).
The NPD Take:
- Consumers desire flexibility in how they interface with smart home products. As users access their devices from a growing list of apps and devices, control via the TV, a central hub in the home, will become even more important.
- Easy access via Google TV (and other Alphabet products and services) leverages Google’s vast ecosystem while also offering users a benefit and convenience.
Microsoft Acquires a Home Automation Startup
Microsoft recently acquired R2 Studios, a startup focused on home entertainment and home automation. R2 had previously released a product called R2 Control for Crestron which allowed home automation systems to control A/V and home theater equipment, lighting, and security devices via Android phones. According to reports, the R2 team will work within the Xbox division.
The NPD Take:
- With strong assets in software, gaming, and devices, this represents an opportunity for Microsoft to crack into the home automation market.
- While Microsoft could be buying the company to further its plans to make Xbox the family entertainment hub in the home, this also represents an opportunity for Microsoft to build connected home control into its software including Windows.