Google TV didn’t exactly get off to a great start, however, it’s been slowly evolving and gaining much needed optimizations and features. Personally, I’d say it still has a ways to go, but with this latest update, it’s definitely going to become more interesting.

Starting with LG, and then moving on to second generation Google TV devices, Google will begin rolling out features such as Voice Search and an updated TV & Movies app now called PrimeTime. These will be in addition to the recent improvements to the YouTube app that allow YouTube videos to be played from your Android phone or tablet with just one button.

Voice Search: Simply speak to watch anything

Instantly access the power of Google TV, simply by using your voice. Just speak to watch TV shows and movies, start playing a YouTube video, open applications, go to websites, do a Google search, and much more. Say “CNN” to go right to the channel, or say “Homeland” to see all the live and streaming options to watch the show. You can even say “how to tie a bow tie” to watch an instructional YouTube video. Try “search movies with Jeff Bridges” and see results in our new, more visual search results page.

PrimeTime: A guide that works for you

Last year your Google TV added the TV & Movies app to help you browse 100,000+ movies and TV episodes available to watch. Now called PrimeTime, the app makes it even easier to find your favorite content. Easily access PrimeTime anywhere in Google TV and browse for something new while you watch. You can quickly flip through the best stuff on live TV, access your favorite channels, see TV shows you recently watched, and find other suggestions based on what you enjoy watching. Here’s how both of these features work:

https://youtu.be/TNOsB8tRmWU

I’m thinking this might be the year for Google TV. We’ll have to wait and see, but the improvements are certainly getting my attention.

• SourceGoogle TV Blog