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Got an iPad? Seen one — or at least heard the hype? Lots of folks out there think it’s a game changer, right?

Even before we’ve even scratched the surface of what the iPad can do (and actually that’s not a very good metaphor, considering the iDamage that would result), we thought we’d better give you a heads up — there’s another massive paradigm shift coming your way.

This one’s coming to your living room. It’s called Google TV.

Yeah, yeah, we hear you mutter. Heard about that. Another web/TV thing. Been there, done that.

Hold that thought.

Because Google TV is a bit different.

Okay, a lot different.

Firstly, because of who’s behind it. Google, of course. And Sony, providing the TV technologies (new sets that include the Google TV functionality plus a Blu-Ray player). Set-top box maker Logitech, providing a Google TV device to plug into those not very old HDTV set out there. Intel for the computing hardware grunt.

Secondly, because the Google TV platform runs on Android — the same technology that powers those snazzy new phones that compete with the iPhone. You can use your smartphone as a remote control for Google TV, or even as a preview device, finding something you want to watch and then “pushing” it to your TV for the whole family to watch.

Third, the Google TV Search facility is as smart as you’d expect the search giant to deliver. Search for your favourite TV series by tapping its name into your smartphone/remote keyboard and Google TV Search will give you a shortlist of (a) episodes currently available through any web source (eg broadcasters such as TVNZ On Demand or TV show sellers such as Amazon); and of course (b) future search — episodes listed on EPGs as coming up. If you’ve got a PVR such as MySky or TiVo connected, one click will set the shows up to record.

Take a look at this demo of the Google TV search facility:

Fourth, Google’s making the whole Android/Google TV operating system Open Source, and encouraging any developers anywhere to innovate and build new bells and whistles for the Google TV environment.

Fifth, Google TV is tapping into the exponentially-expanding social web so that you’ll be offered video/TV recommendations based on what your friends have watched or liked — or what you’ve watched in the past.

Sixth, YouTube’s millions of clips are being made available in a whole new leanback mode to push content at you (based on your and your friends’ preferences, favourites and likes) so you minimise your searching and maximise your viewing.

We could go on, but we hope you get a bit of the flavour.

Google TV is launching in the U.S. in “the Fall” (our Spring, not far away now).

Better watch for it. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.

Related posts:

1. Google Search Goes Real-Time
2. Google Android: Another giant leap for the G-Men?