Google, LG Collaborating on a Google TV Nexus Model?

LG may be asked to build the flagship Google TV -- aka the Google TV Nexus -- when version 3.0 is released later this year.

ZoomGoogle TV 2.0 is currently available, but what will be next for Google's platform in its third revision? If rumors prove true, then LG will initially get the TV-based OS exclusively to produce a flagship "Google TV Nexus" or something similarly named. Once the device goes live and stabilizes, Google will likely release the software to the TV manufacturing masses.

Insider sources (who declined to be identified, of course) claim that the partnership will be similar to the arrangement Google has with Samsung and HTC to create Nexus handsets for a specific build of Android. But as of this writing, Google and LG are still under negotiations, so no definite, concrete plans have been established.

However, Google has already stated that it plans to launch Google TV 3.0 by the end of the year. The new version will reportedly have more content and offer better search functions to find shows. The second generation made its debut back in October, and is currently showcased on a 55-inch OLED HDTV from LG this week at CES 2012 in Las Vegas (Sony will offer models too). This version allows developers to create Android apps especially for the TV platform.

During CES 2012, product manager Rishi Chandra said that the focus of Google TV 3.0 will probably center around increasing its ability to personalize the user experience. It will also try to further enhance content discovery.