Google just announced its odd Google Media Server, a Windows app that finds photos, music, and video and makes it available to DLNA devices like the PlayStation 3, XBox 360, and most Media Center PCs.
Google Media Server is a Windows application that aims to bridge the gap between Google and your TV. It uses Google Desktop technology such as Desktop gadgets for the administration tool and Google Desktop Search to locate media files. All you need is a PC running Google Desktop and a UPnP-enabled device (e.g. a PlayStation 3). At the touch of a button, you can then:
* Access videos, music, and photos stored on your PC
* View Picasa Web Albums
* Play your favorite YouTube videos
This shows that Google is very interested in getting its message out across multiple platforms. With the launch of Android forthcoming, could the Google set-top box be next?
I know that the vast majority of computers out there are still Windows boxes… but for a company like Google to really shun the Mac-love hurts. Doesn’t each company have board members in the other company? Mac users like stuff “at the touch of a button”, too.
Seriously, where’s my Picasa for OS X??
Doesn’t work with Xbox 360 unfortunately. Google’s response is that technically it would require them to “fool” the 360 into thinking Google’s service is a Microsoft one, and legal won’t let them.
Lame I say!