Google TV has just enacted its first programming cancellation.
The Consumer Electronics Show next month in Las Vegas was meant to be the great coming-out party for Google’s new software for televisions, which adds Web video and other computer smarts to TV sets. Although Google already has a deal with Sony for its Internet TVs, other television makers — Toshiba, LG Electronics and Sharp — were prepared to flaunt their versions of the systems.
But Google has asked the TV makers to delay their introductions, according to people familiar with the company’s plans, so that it can refine the software, which has received a lukewarm reception. The late request caught some of the manufacturers off guard. And it illustrates the struggles Google faces as it tries to expand into the tricky, unfamiliar realm of consumer electronics and drum up broad interest in a Web-based TV product that consumers want.
Google has a long history of putting out new products and then revising them on the fly. But in the consumer electronics market, companies place big, well-timed bets — to attract holiday buyers, say, or back-to-school shoppers.
Industry analysts say Google’s sudden change of plans reflects a weakness in the company’s business culture around managing relationships with partners.
“Google as a company is not a particularly partner-friendly or partner-focused company,” said James McQuivey, an analyst at Forrester, who added that because of the delay, it might take another year before Google TV has a chance to catch fire.
Executives at the television makers played down the idea that they were reacting to an abrupt change in marching orders from Google, but according to people familiar with the negotiations, they were caught by surprise.
Gina Weakley, a Google spokeswoman, declined to discuss “rumors and speculation” about unannounced products.
Under Sony’s deal with Google, the first Google TVs were shipped in October. Sony and Logitech also sell complementary appliances that let people tap into the Google TV software without replacing their televisions.
Samsung now appears set to be the only new entrant to the Google TV market at the show, where it will present two appliances similar to those from Sony and Logitech, according to people familiar with the company’s plan. Vizio will also demonstrate its take on a Google TV, but will do so in private demonstrations off the show floor.
