Sony and Google have entered into an alliance to offer a new range of cloud-based products and services that combine Google’s open-source Android OS platform with Sony’s expertise in technology and product design.
The companies said that they are exploring the development of new Android-based hardware products for the home, mobile and personal product categories.
Through the alliance, Sony said that it aims to leverage the stability, future growth potential and open-source accessibility of Google’s Android platform to further optimise its product development processes while also providing consumers with an open and expansive user experience.
Under the collaboration, Sony will introduce ‘Sony Internet TV’, first TV to incorporate the ‘Google TV’ platform. The new interface will allows consumers to search and access content from their TVs and across the internet.
Sony Internet TV is scheduled to first launch in the US in the Fall of 2010 with the lineup featuring both a standalone TV model and set top box-type unit incorporating a Blu-ray Disc drive.
Eric Schmidt, chairman and CEO of Google, said: “We believe that open systems lead to more innovation, value and choice for consumers, which is why we are so proud to work with Sony to bring the power of the Android platform to more consumers around the world.”
Looking forward, the companies aim to maximise their respective technological expertise to deliver products and services that help users with access to content, whenever and wherever they require it.
