Is Google Video the new TV?
Now that Google Video has been operational for several months, it’s a perfect time to review the progress of Mountain View’s hottest BETA service. Some may view me as a Google skeptic, so perhaps I’m in the best position to evaluate the real value in Video’s offering. Although it pains me to say this, I am actually very impressed with the web application. I do not think that it’s perfect just yet however, its lack of a sub-category structure (made famous by the DMOZ directory) and a cumbersome desire to push people into searching the archive makes Video a little frustrating at times. It’s also a service which only broadband users can effectively use, so there’s no need to keep such a basic visual design – other then to re-iterate that its made by Google.Looking at the positive aspects, the streaming software used to play the hosted media files seems stable, easy to use and learn, plus compresses the stream in a way that really shortens download/buffering times.
Having recently moved to a new house without Cable/Sky television, the rare moments when I have some time to relax is often spent watching repeats of documentaries or dusting off the DVD collection. I’d rather spend my 148 minutes a day watching something new and interesting, and so decided to give Google Video a chance last weekend.
With the main categories such as “Comedy†appearing to list video clips in no apparent order of either relevance or quality, I opted to browse down the “Top 100†list. Naturally there’s a lot of rubbish uploaded by wannabe comedians and film producers, although there is also a good amount of quality content. In no-time I was watching recordings of comedians making fun of George W. Bush, an interesting documentary on the 9/11 attacks, a Russian urban climber displaying his skills and some comedy clips from around the world. Even though I would run out of captivating content if I was more of a committed TV addict, there’s enough to keep you happy for the rainy weekends. Although just the opinion of one, I found Google Video more enjoyable and stress free then anything that Freeview can muster.
Google has already shown its cards on where it would like to go with Video, testing micro-payment services for downloading premium content and selected TV shows. If this procedure was formed into a hassle free process and even more simplified for Windows Media Center users, Video could be a real threat to pay-to-view television. You don’t need a Sky+ or TiVo box to pause and rewind Video, or an advert jumper when watching your favourite episode of Star Trek thanks to Google.
It would be an interesting experiment to compare the satisfaction and enjoyability levels of watching Google Video compared to conventional television. Maybe if you’re reading this you could comment on your thoughts after watching a predefined period of both mediums and analysing the benefits.
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