Search giant Google has launched a TV service that unites live television with web content.

The "smart TV" service has been launched along with Sony, Intel and Logitech.

The service allows people to search and watch TV programmes on both the web and live channels.

Using special TV sets or a set-top box, people can watch content from websites such as YouTube or Amazon.

"Video should be consumed on the biggest, brightest, best screen in your house - the television," said Rishi Chandra of the firm. "That's not the PC, or mobile."

Google showed off the service at a launch event in San Francisco that was plagued by technical glitches.

The television sets will also rely on an Intel microprocessor and have control systems built by Logitech.

The sets and boxes will use Google's Android operating system - commonly used in mobile phones - and its Chrome web browser.

The TVs are expected to go on sale in the Autumn. No details were given on pricing.

Source : news.bbc.co.uk