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Google TV navigation options (think etch-a-sketch)

Posted on June 17, 2010 by Brad Proctor

etch_a_sketch

Google recently released a video showing how the interface for Google TV will look and work. While the concept of searching content from your DVR, Cable box, and web all at the same time is great one thing sticks out.

Watch the video to see if you notice it… starts around 1:15

Yes… There is a cursor which would in turn means there has to be something that controls that cursor. Mouse? trackball?

According to Google TV’s developer documents -

“users will often navigate using a directional pad”

and furthermore…

Like remote controls, these limit the navigation model to up, down, left, right, and enter.

Using a directional pad to navigate the web is like using an etch-a-sketch. Up, left, up, right, twist, turn.

  • http://twitter.com/clint_williams Clint Williams

    Google said at the I/O conference that an IR or wireless keyboard would be a useful tool for the GTV experience. Tekzilla (http://revision3.com/tekzilla/tested goto position 26:03 for the specific segment) did a review of wireless peripherals for living room purposes and essentially said unless you are no further than 10 to 12 feet from your TV there aren't ANY great products. In last week's article a view wrote in saying he suggested a Microsoft ARC unit that works from ~25 feet.

    Do I WANT a keyboard to watch TV? It's easier that using a wand or standard remote to wave over letters and type one-at-a-time. There are some high end remotes with trackpads built in that would make it a little easier.

  • bradproctor

    The issue with keyboards, trackpads, and a mouse is this… Try this. Lay on the couch parallel to your TV and try to use a mouse. Almost impossible.

    Web content to the TV is great but not by displaying the actual web page. Apps that take the content and present it in a nice 10 ft UI experience is what is needed.