A rogue Chinese company has taken the world of Internet-connected TV by storm, after their product, a set-top box which takes its name and main functions from Google TV, has been reported to be of a better quality than the Internet giant’s official service.

Based in Shenzen (China), Geniatech is offering a new service called Android TV, with Android, of course, the name of Google’s own-brand operating system.

The Geniatech set-top box, meanwhile, is said to be sold in five different versions (Nano, Basic, Plus, Gold, and Platinum). It is looking to cash in on a market wanting a higher quality of IPTV, as Google’s built-in product has not been setting the world alight in terms of performance, and has had to make recent re-releases to try and improve their system.

The ‘Android’ system from Geniatech has taken a real Android operating system and Google’s web browser, and combined it with their own developments to create a better-working product that serves as a ‘multipurpose add-on’. Key features advertised by the developers include the device’s capability to be used as a TV tuner, a digital media player, games console, digital photo frame, and a system with Internet connectivity, the higher-quality features naturally coming with the pricier versions of the product.

The set-top box is also able to browse the web (with the Google-based browser), and supports Flash, e-books and magazines, instant messaging, Gmail, and support for HD content. For control, a user can apply the product’s QWERTY remote control, or use their own wireless keyboard or touchpad. Availability for the Geniatech product is patchy, and is not a mainstream device (at least for now), but reports claim that those that do own one in America picked one up for just $149, far cheaper than official devices sold by Google.

With the news of this emerging Chinese challenger, Google’s next updates will probably have to be in the ‘top quality’ zone, with Geniatech’s offering currently seen as cheaper and of better overall quality than the

With the brand identity that they have created for themselves Google will probably not be too pleased at seeing an ‘official’ knockoff on the market however limited its sales are, much less so the fact that it seems to be out performing them in reviews. Who will end up having the last laugh: Android, or ‘Android’?

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