Google TV's new Advisor Community brings multiple perks

Google has been interested in getting direct feedback from Google TV users lately. The platform is becoming one of the Mountain View giant’s most important products. 270 million Google TV device owners around the world support this statement. In a new development, the company is creating the new and “exclusive” Google TV’s Advisors Community users, and some are receiving a direct invitation.

Ron Richards, co-host of Android Faithful, was among those chosen by Google. Richards got the invitation to the Advisors Community as a banner in the UI of its Google TV Streamer. The description says that it is an “exclusive online community where you can help improve the Google TV experience.” That said, there’s a sign-up form available for anyone to apply.

The perks you will receive as part of the Google TV’s Advisor Community

Before accepting the invitation, Google also tells you about the benefits you will get as a member of the community. First, the brand states that its main goal is to shape the development of the future of Google TV. They are looking for even more direct feedback than what they would receive in a traditional beta or preview program. They’re also looking for deeper interactions than just asking users if they feel like they’re getting too many ads on Google TV’s home screen, as they did recently.

Once inside the community, people will be able to participate in surveys, discussions, and “fun research activities.” Google sets the frequency of the community’s interactions at once or twice a month. Those who participate in the proposed activities will be eligible to win one of five $50 gift cards that Google will draw monthly. Plus, they will be able to access “new Google TV features that are about to be released.”

The drawbacks could scare off those most concerned about their privacy

That said, there are a few things you should know before applying or accepting the invitation to the Google TVs’ Advisors Community. First, the most privacy-conscious might not want to be part of the experience. The terms and conditions allow Google to collect “audio, video, or photographs of you and your interactions with our products and services.” The content captured by the brand may include “your face, voice, physical features, mannerisms, likeness, and interactions.”

The other condition for participating in the community is not to share information about the new features in development. Google prefers to keep these features secret, only sharing them with everyone when they deem it appropriate.