Back in October of last year, Google released the much needed update for Google TV.  The 2.0 version of Google TV is much simpler, like they went to basics, which is actually good as it doesn’t look as disorganized as before the update.  But the most important addition that came with the update is the focus on YouTube, as YouTube also launched their Channels.

At this year’s CES, Google TV tries to make an impact to consumers once again as more Smart TVs are Google TVs.

Google TV, as we know, is the pet project of Google, Sony, and Logitech.  With rumors flying around that Google paid Smart TV vendors to put Google TV in their units, you’d have to think what this means for Sony.

Contrary to speculations, Sony did not announce a Smart TV with full Google TV integration at the 2012 CES, instead, they announced two new Google TV devices:  Google TV-powered Blu-ray player, the NSZ-GP9, as well as its first-ever Google TV set-top box, the NSZ-GS7.  Both devices feature a new remote with a backlit keyboard, a touchpad with gesture navigation support, and three-axis motion sensing for gaming.  The Blu-ray player remote has a built-in microphone so you can use your voice to access Google voice search and find content across live TV, streaming services, and the internet.

“The first generation of devices powered by Google TV combined the powerful Android platform with Sony’s legendary home audio/video hardware to deliver on the promise of converging entertainment,” said Charles Speidel, vice president of Sony Electronics’ Home Audio and Video Division. “These brilliant additions advance positive features of the previous models, bringing an intuitive remote control and cross-device connectivity with smartphones, tablets and Sony Internet Audio & Video products – enhancing the home entertainment experience.”

Aside from being built aroung the Google TV 2.0, both devices have tighter integration with the Sony Entertainment Network and support for streaming content from smartphones and tablets.  And because it’s a Google product, it has access to the Android Market so you can go gaga over apps like HBO Go, Netflix, and Pandora and of course it has Chrome for browsing.

Sony says the NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray deck will arrive in the summer and the NSZ-GS7 media streamer will hit slightly earlier in the spring.

Pricing is yet to be announced but according to Sony, the NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray deck will arrive in the summer while the NSZ-GS7 media streamer come in early spring.

Sony did announce a new line of Bravia TVs, the entry-level BX, the step-up EX, and the flagship HX. Each newly introduced model delivers the best picture quality available and offers a range of features to give consumers flexibility in choosing the right entertainment solution.

“Television consumers have told us the mix of formats and features often creates confusion,” said Brian Siegel, vice president for Sony’s television business. “But, we know that the best part of the TV has always been – and will always be – the picture quality. Sony is cutting through that noise to make TV buying easier:  three model lines with very clear differences, each designed to deliver the most premium, best-in-class picture ever.”