Google/Dish Network Testing TV Search Feature

Is there any escaping Google these days? It’s dominating computers more and more. It’s on your phone. It’s in your car. And now it might also be on your television. According to the Wall Street Journal, Google is testing out a television search feature that allows Internet-connected set-top boxes stacked with Google software to automatically search for television shows on satellite TV as well as from video sites like YouTube. The searches can be run via keyboard. The test began last year and includes a small number of Google employees and their families.

The test is being run in conjunction with Dish Network and neither Google or Dish commented for the WSJ’s story.

From the business end, Google hopes to use the service to deliver more targeted advertising at consumers. However, from a consumer standpoint, a television search function that combines Web and TV results would be pretty killer. Imagine being able to search for your favorite show and find not only when and where it’s playing immediately, but also Web clips and sneak previews. All at the same time. I’d buy in. [via WSJ]