Google likes to take its time releasing products in Australia. I saw the original launch of Google TV back in May 2010, but it's only now that we're seeing a device that can run the Web-on-your-TV platform in Australia.

In a Google I/O session to teach devs how to build apps for Google TV, Google previewed what the new Google TV with Honeycomb would look like. Specifically, it seems like the home screen is going to be more Honeycomb-ish and less TV-ish.

If it works as smooth as it looks in this preview video, Google TV could provide the kind of seamless web-on-TV experience many have been looking for. Dedicated apps, a Chrome browser, easy picture, music viewing and more are shown off.

We're going to have to wait quite a while before we see it arrive in Australia, but Google TV is an excellent idea that deserves to do well. Here's why you should care about it (and what might go wrong before it realises its potential).

Google's announcement of Google TV has been attracting plenty of attention. While there's a lot to like about an easier way to search online content on your TV, Australians shouldn't hold their breath: it'll be at least a year before we see any devices supporting the newly-announced standard.