Google Video has been launched in Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Canada by the search engine giant.
Like the US version, which was launched in January, Google Video UK features thousands of videos showing everything from the latest clips from movies, dramas and serious documentaries to Joe public messing around in front of their webcams. Fans of the site say it will revolutionise broadcasting, although there is some concern from those more dubious out there that it could result in unregulated material being unleashed on an unsuspecting audience.
Previously all of Googles video offerings ran off the US site, meaning the US market strongly determined which were the most popular video clips. It is hoped that now the site is available in other countries, each site will suitably reflect the varying tastes and preferences of each host country as visitors will be able to vote for their favourite clips.
All those who choose to post to the Google Video site, whether they are movie makers or amateurs, can decide whether to charge for the clips.
Google hopes to assume a similar role in the world of broadcasting but will face serious competition from other download destinations such as Apple's iTunes and traditional broadcasters such as Channel 4, which will launch its own video on demand service this autumn, and the BBC, which will launch its iPlayer before the end of the year.
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