Sony Launches The Google TV Era

After months of waiting, Google TV is finally official. Sony introduced its NSX-GT1 line of LCD televisions today, which will henceforth be called Google TVs (until another company launches its own Google TVs). That’s sure a lot catchier than Sony’s name: Sony Internet TV, powered by Google TV (ouch?).

The most interesting news: the leaked pricing that Sony Insider ran last week was off and the TVs are actually a lot cheaper than that, running just $599 for the 24-inch model, $799 for the 32-inch model, $999 for the 40-inch model and $1,399 for the 46-inch model. According to CNET, that puts the premium for Google TV at between $100 and $250, depending upon size.

The TVs are built on Android and include an Intel Atom processor and Wi-Fi 802.11 n.  Key to the new Internet TV is a search function that allows viewers to search both TV and Web content in one seamless search. They’ll also offer Web browsing with a built-in Chrome browser. The televisions will allow viewers to split up the screen in Dual View, which will be invaluable when watching television and tweeting about it  or searching for related content on the Web.

The Sony models will come with pre-installed apps including CNBC, Napster, NBA, Netflix, Pandora,Twitter, and YouTube, and the greater Android app market will open up to the televisions early next year.

Get the full spec sheet from Sony’s press release. [via CNET]