Sony is about to introduce a smart TV USB device which adds another way to stream online television, movies and music. The devices also comes pre-installed with Chrome web browser and can be used to download apps from the Google Play store. Web-TV users will be able to access YouTube, Netflix, Video Unlimited and other services via the Bravia Smart Stick which is due for launch 22 September for $149.

Web TV is coming into the living room yet another way, this time using USB Internet-enabled devices. The Sony Bravia Smart Stick uses the MHL TV socket (mobile high-definition link) to provide a broad range of online video services including; Pandora, Amazon Video, AOL On, Netflix, VUDU, Crackle, Play Movies & TV and Redbox Instant. It is expected to be limited to Sony’s 2013 Bravia television line however.

Note – Sony has officially revealed the product here.

In July this year Google launched it’s Chromecast USB device which does one simple job: enable Internet TV for $35. Google’s device is currently limited to the US but is due to be released in other markets. The Bravia Smart Stick goes one step further than Chromecast providing an on-screen guide with a dedicated remote control. Chromecast instead requires a second device like a smartphone or tablet to browse and control using Wi-Fi. Sony will likely have to add on to the feature list to compete with Google’s offering which is significantly cheaper.

You can take a closer look at the Bravia Smart Stick via a cache of the official blog before it was removed here. (thanks BBC)

Update – Sony has now fully revealed the features of the device, which includes 8GB storage, the remote is an award-winning voice-activated remote with it’s own QWERTY keyboard. The Smart Stick integrates with existing cable/satellite subscriptions also. Many of the video services such as Netflix and Pandora are pre-installed for instant use.

Discuss:

How do you like to watch Internet TV? Would you buy an Internet TV USB like the Bravia Smart Stick?