Yesterday, it leaked in the Wall Street Journal that Google and DISH Network have combined forces to begin developing set-top boxes for the satellite company. Not much is known about the project at this time, but it has many in the industry excited. Here’s why:

Integrated Search

Users will likely be able to search through content, not just from DISH Network, but also other providers, such as YouTube. Combine this feature with the new voice-recognition tools in YouTube that can be used to create searchable closed captioning for videos, and you have a pretty exciting and easy to use search function.

Android or Chrome Operating System

It is rumored that these boxes operate on a version of the Android or Chrome operating system. This means that such a box would receive more frequent updates and give users increased functionality with the ability download apps or develop add-ons to enhance their viewing experience and the capabilities of the box. If television providers were willing to allow some inroads to opening up both the hardware and software that make up these boxes, the possibilities for revolutionizing the way that TV is watched are truly endless. Set-top boxes are usually more powerful than the television providers want to let on. For example, just look at the number of ports that can be found on each and every box, but are currently disabled. Turn them on and watch as the ability personalize function and interactions explodes.

Integrated TV Advertising

No one really like ads, but they are a necessary part of TV. It wouldn’t survive without them. Since Google is attempting to become a much bigger player in the TV advertising business, it makes sense that they want a platform that they control part of to roll out the service first. Those of us who use Google services or use Google to search now have become familiar with the ways that Google can introduce advertising that is both relevant and unobtrusive.

New Technology

Everyone knows that Google is doing some pretty amazing things with storage. Just imagine how much data they have to hold in any of their data centers. They most likely have developed a new way to use and store DVR data. DISH Network needs this technology yesterday. That’s all I’ll say.

I’m sure that more information will leak in the coming weeks and months. Since the story has leaked, I expect that more information will be coming soon. The only thing that make me think that it will take longer than usual to learn more about this story is that the boxes are only in the homes of Google employees right now and I bet the NDAs are pretty strict.