If you like having the latest tech, I’d definitely suggest buying the NSZ-GS7 Sony Internet TV Player… it’s certainly fun. But until Google offers more focus and App/Game Developers produce quality offerings, Google TV will largely be reserved for early adopters. A handful of great apps, such as Netflix and Thuuz Sports, illustrate what Google TV can become. Sony Internet TV is great when boiled down to its basics: a television that lets you seamlessly enjoy TV and the internet simultaneously in a new and fun way. And when that happens, which could be as soon as Google IO this week, Sony’s products will likely receive OTA firmware/software updates that help them unlock the potential of what could be Android’s next big frontier: next generation television. Thankfully Sony remains committed to the platform, and I believe their persistence will pay off when Google finally addresses the gaping whole in their Google TV strategy. Google has focused on Android phones and Android tablets, leaving the Android-based Google TVs to wander aimlessly in tech land. Unfortunately, the NSZ-GS7 is handcuffed to an operating system with unlimited potential but sloppy implementation and invisible polish. The Sony Internet TV Set Top box (NSZ-GS7), which is the subject of this review, goes on sale for $199 on July 22nd and is on par with these prior Sony GTV products. Their standalone Google TVs released two years ago were exceptional pieces of hardware and their Google TV Blu-Ray player was equally enjoyable (I bought and own both). Sony is helping to pioneer Google TV: they’ve got the most Google TV products and the best Google TV products. Much like Google TV, it’s a bit backwards. Normal reviews don’t start with a conclusion, but this isn’t a normal review.

But is it the success Sony and Google have been seeking? It’s a stand alone set-top box, allowing consumers to add GTV to their current media setup affordably (unlike those which come bundled with a Blu-Ray Player or TV set). Sony’s newest attempt is the NSZ-GS7 Sony Internet TV with Google TV ( now available for pre-order). While Logitech unforgivingly dropped out of the GTV race, Sony is pushing forward, determined to provide the platform’s first true success story. Google TV has now been available for two years, partnering with Logitech for the failed Revue and with Sony on an array of devices including GTV Blu-Ray players and a line of fully integrated televisions. With phones and tablets all but conquered, TV is the next big challenge for Android’s aspirations.

Sony nsz gs7