To get its purported new TV service off the ground, Google has spoken with a number of TV channel owners including The Walt Disney Co., Time Warner Inc., and Discovery Communications Inc., according to (subscription required).
Google may also offer digital telephone service, which would bring the company's fiber network in line with so-called "" packages offered by most cable and telephone companies. There are no details on pricing or whether Google's plans could be the start of a larger cable TV business in other areas. The Journal does say the offering could expand to Palo Alto, Calif., where Google offers high-speed Internet to some residents.
As more video content moves online, television services appear to be the next big battle ground for technology companies, with Apple and Google leading the charge. Apple is reportedly working on a baked in, and recently that Apple has been trying to build a monthly TV subscription service.
Google is making a , the company's attempt to bring Web access and broadcast television into one interface. Google TV 2.0 will include a redesigned interface, improved search engine, optimized access to YouTube, and third-party Android applications.