Hands On With Google TV 3.1

The first thing you'll notice is the massive interface change. Instead of rows of mostly text-based options, organized like an overly complicated connected HDTV menu, Google TV 3.1 goes back to its Android roots. Everything is icon-based, with a quick launch bar at the bottom of the screen and room for notifications, just like an Android smartphone or tablet/ebook reader.

I installed three apps from the Android Market to the Google TV device, including Classy Fireplace, IGN Pro League, and Google Music.

The other big change is the addition of the Android Market. Finally, you can download Android apps to your Google TV device.

Classy Fireplace is an incredibly simple but great app that puts a fireplace (or some nature scenes) on the screen.

The IGN Pro League (IPL) app is just a leanback-style video browser for IGN's Starcraft 2 league games. I thumbed through a few highlight videos and games, just like I was using the YouTube leanback app.

Google Music is easily one of the most useful apps to put on the new Google TV interface. It provides a frontend for accessing your Google Music library online and streaming it to your Google TV device.