Google search dominates the online search market and over the past few years, we’ve seen the search giant slowly expand into new areas of opportunity. The latest move sees a partnership with Google offering search features to Dish Network subscribers, allowing them to find TV shows and online video content from video sites such as YouTube.

The new Google service requires that subscribers have an Internet connected Android powered set top box with users being able to search for content using an included QWERTY keyboard. Currently, the testing phase is limited to a select few that consists of Google employees and their families.

There are so many advantages for Google to move into TV search. First is the set top boxes that run on Android, Google’s own operating system. This continues to expand their reach beyond smartphones and mobile devices such as the Google Nexus One.

The other big advantage is the introduction of Google search ads showing up next to popular TV shows. Dish Network is a large satellite provider and this in itself has the potential of generating new revenue streams, but if this was to grow beyond this market and into Android powered cable boxes as well, the increased ad revenue would certainly help Google’s bottom line.

Google is not the only player in this market as both Apple and Microsoft offer their own services that meld both TV and web content together.

Via: CNET