Google to streamcast Rock’s “Everybody Hates Chris”
Google, aka the giant teddy bear taking over the world, has encroached upon yet another major industry today: Television. According to the AP Wire, Google will be streamcasting Chris Rock’s smash hit sitcom “Everybody Hates Chris,” making last week’s 21 minute episode available to anybody in the world with an internet connection.
Other online outlets have made network prime-time shows available before, but “Everybody Hates Chris” marks Google’s most high-profile video offering so far.
It comes as Google increasingly ventures beyond its search roots as it battles the likes of Yahoo Inc. and Microsoft Corp.
…
For UPN, the offering is an opportunity to reach viewers, particularly younger ones, who might have missed the premiere on broadcast TV.
For Google, it is a chance to demonstrate that its Google Video service, still in a “beta” test phase, is more than a collection of home videos, which users are encouraged to upload.
Prior to this event, Yahoo’s streamcast of Kirstie Alley’s “Fat Actress” pilot has been the largest of its kind. But the real big news is the business model at work here. Google Video, just one of the massive company’s free offerings will allow professional and amateur filmmakers and videographers to submit their art and view others’ works.
They’re positioning their pieces. It will only be a matter of time before Google unleashes their master plan. If I were Microsoft I’d be worried, but I’m not, so instead I’ll just enjoy the free video on demand!