Technology Blog

Google/Dish collaboration promises customized program schedules, targeted ads, and Google-powered TV show searching No longer simply content to rule the world of computers, the Google juggernaut has teamed up with Dish Network to bring its targeted ads and search power to the world of television. The project, currently in the testing phase at some very lucky Google employees' houses, brings customized TV schedules, advertising packages, and web video via YouTube out of the computer and into the living room via an Android-powered set-top box. Powered by the same Android OS that runs Google's smartphones and a host of forthcoming tablet devices, the box enables users to search for TV shows and web clips with a keyboard instead of a remote. And, since this is Google we're talking about, one can only imagine that an algorithm will eventually analyze those searches to help direct personalized advertising via their TV ad service. Google started testing the boxes a year ago, and both Dish Network an