Google, which has been dabbling with a streaming movie service for several months on a test basis, is planning to expand the service in 2011, focusing on more top-tier films.
Tech Crunch reports Robert Kynci, a former Netflix exec, is spearheading negotiations with studios to bring more current releases to the service, which apparently will get a big marketing push sometime in 2011. That plan reportedly was to be tied into Google TV, but that plan may be in flux as Google reportedly is planning to refine the smart-TV platform in coming months, moving it to the back burner.
Google earlier this month acquired video delivery and DRM specialist Widevine, a move that industry analysts at the time said could help the company win studio trust.
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