Search engine provider Google has teamed up with Panasonic to develop televisions that display internet content, it has been announced.Set to be launched this spring, the TVs will enable users to directly browse and view videos from Google-owned video-sharing site YouTube.
They will also allow consumers to view photos on their TVs through Google's photo-sharing service Picasa Web Albums, which will also be available on the devices.
The services will be accessible on Panasonic's new Viera PZ850 series plasma high-definition TVs with Viera Cast.
Toshihiro Sakamoto, president of Panasonic AVC Networks, stated: "This is the first time mainstream consumers will be able to easily enjoy YouTube videos from the living room with the enhanced quality of a fully integrated widescreen TV experience."
He added that the new TVs, complete with virtual one-click access to the internet functions, will "greatly expand" users' entertainment options.
Meanwhile, Steve Chen, co-founder and chief technical officer of YouTube, commented: "We're dedicated to providing users around the world with a great YouTube experience no matter where they are.
"Working with an industry leader like Panasonic will deliver the same great YouTube experience that users have come to expect on their computers."
Panasonic is a brand name for Matsushita Electric Industrial, a manufacturer of consumer electronics. Founded in 1918, the firm now employs more than 260,000 people across the world.
