Report: Google testing set-top box search

Reports have surfaced suggesting Google is beta testing a new feature on Dish Network set-top boxes allowing users to perform searches for shows on their set-top box and view YouTube videos on their TVs.

According to the report by the Wall Street Journal, the program is installed on users' set-top boxes and allows them to search all recorded and live videos from the device, as well as search video sites such as YouTube and play videos directly on televisions. It's thought the set-top box would run a variation of Google's Android operating system, and would allow the search giant to show ads to households based on what they search for and view. Google has reportedly been testing the feature since late last year, and is currently limited to a very limited group of company employees and families the WSJ's sources said. The WSJ's sources also claim the testing could be stopped at any time. It's not only the Dish Network that could see such a device, the WSJ said, citing sources close to the matter. Google has also reportedly approached other cable networks about launching such a device. It makes sense for Google to be investigating bringing their technology to a set-top box, as they are the only major technology company not to have a presence on televisions - Microsoft have their Windows Media Centre software, and Apple have their own Apple TV box.