Samsung in last-stage talks to launch Google TV

Samsung Electronics, the world's top TV maker, is in last-stage talks with Google to roll out its Google TVs, the head of Samsung's TV division told reporters on Tuesday.

Samsung Electronics, the world's top TV maker, is in last-stage talks with Google to roll out its Google TVs, the head of Samsung's TV division told reporters on Tuesday.

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Google TV - which currently comes built-in on certain Sony Corp television models and on Logitech International set-top boxes -- allows consumers to access online videos and websites on their TVs, as well as specialised apps such as video games.

Samsung in January displayed a new Google TV-enabled Blu-ray player and companion box at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), but did not commercialise the offerings.

Yoon Boo-keun, president of Samsung's TV division, said the company planned to unveil its Google TV at an event next year without elaborating on the schedule, saying only the firm was working with Google on the rollout. Samsung's Google TV service would differ from those of competitors, he said on the sidelines of a local forum.

Google in October unveiled a revamped version of Google TV service, hoping to making inroads into the living room despite consumers' lukewarm reaction to its initial offering. Yoon also said Samsung plans to unveil TVs featuring next-generation OLED displays at the upcoming CES to be held in January in Las Vegas.

TV makers are grappling with slowing demand and cutthroat competition that has squeezed margins.