Android TV with card-based UI coming at Google I/O: Report

While Apple is all set to unveil its newer innovations very soon at the WWDC, Google is also prepping for the I/O to be held by the end of the month on June 25 - 26. Citing several sources, Gigaom now reveals that Google will be showcasing the Google TV at the I/O this year.   Android TV is said to be a new platform for manufacturers of TVs and set-top boxes that will help bring streaming services to the television, and once again, mark Google’ entry into your living rooms. Unlike Google TV launched in 2010, Android TV is reportedly about ‘online media services along with Android-based games’.   Google is also believed to be in talks with Netflix and Hulu Plus about participating on Android TV. The company may also unveil a few select hardware partners for the Android TV. The report also talks about Android TV’s secret weapon dubbed Pano. Android TV is said to focuss on building a simpler user interface, and the key element is internally named as Pano.   With Pano, apps will be seen as individual pieces of content in a card-like fashion on the homescreen, allowing users to browse movies, TV shows and likewise on Android TV. Unlike traditional smart TV experience, Google plans this card-style UI that can be browsed horizontally. The report states, “Content will be presented in a series of cards that can be browsed horizontally, and each movie or TV show episode has deep links into publisher’s apps, giving users the option to start playback right away.”   The report also points out that Android TV is a software platform and not hardware, so it is quite likely that Google may unveil it at the I/O, allowing vendors to further help develop it.