Google has launched its Google Video service in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, the UK and Canada (note: the US version of the service launched in January). Users from those countries now see a home page in their own language featuring content from their country–though they can still, of course, search through Google’s international index. The service allows users to upload and share their own videos, search an array of broadband video ranging from user-generated content to professionally produced work, post content to blogs and community sites such as MySpace, download content to PC’s or to handheld devices such as the Apple Video iPod or the Sony PSP, look up the top 100 videos and track content that is quickly gaining popularity, and rate content with one to five stars and add their own comments. "The rise of online video is making it easier for people to express themselves," Joanna Shields, Google’s European director of partnerships, said in a prepared statement. "By launching Google Video in these new markets we will enable more people in more countries to search for, upload and share video content in more languages. We’re excited to work with our content providers and advertisers around the world to help them use Google Video to reach a wider global audience."
Google says that it is in the process of building a network of media partners across Europe which will be uploading their content to the service over the next few months. These include A&E Television Networks, FC Barcelona, Buena Vista International Europe, the Cousteau Society, IMG Media, France’s Institut National de l’Audiovisuel, ITN, Netherlands Public Broadcasting, Premium TV, and talkbackTHAMES.
In other Google Video news: Google has signed a deal with the Sundance Channel, under which the latter is now offering 18 movies and three TV series on the service. The movies are priced at $9.99 to own and at $3.99 to rent (for 24 hours). The TV series are priced from $1.99 per episode and up to own.
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Filed under: Content
