Your next TV could be a Google TV, made by Sony and powered by Intel chips. The three companies have teamed up to build what will be called the Google TV, essentially a big-screen living-room computer.

The TV project, according to the New York Times, is still under wraps, but that hasn't stopped the details from leaking. The GTV will be based on the Android OS, and come in the form of both a set-top box and actual TV-sets. There will be regular television, of course, but also Hulu, YouTube and other web-video sources, as well as games and apps for social networking.

It makes so much sense we wonder why we didn't see it coming. TV is one of the few advertising markets Google isn't yet in, the company has an OS ready to go, and Google's simple UI designs are perfect for couch-surfing. The Google TV will even have the Chrome browser built-in.

The reason for a partnership with Intel is pretty obvious – we expect the TV will use some form of Atom chip. But why would Sony get involved? According to the NYT, Sony sees it as a competitive advantage in a very difficult market. It's right. Who wouldn't buy a TV with Google inside?

The Google TV appears to be close. Developer tools are expected in the next two months, and Logitech has reportedly been approached to make peripherals such as speakers and a QWERTY-equipped remote. This could be huge, and a further blow to the PC industry. If you have the internet in your television, and a tablet appliance like the iPad to carry around, who needs a desktop or even a laptop computer?

Google and Partners Seek TV Foothold [NYT]

TV Photo: Sony

Photo illustration: Charlie Sorrel