Google is testing a new television programming search service in conjunction with Dish Network, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The service, which appears to be very much in a limited testing phase, runs on a special set-top box and apparently searches content from both the Dish programming guide, as well as web video services like YouTube.

Without any details about the specific implementation, it’s unclear how similar this venture is to the new upcoming TiVo Premiere service that was announced last week.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of The Wall Street Journal’s report dealt less with the service itself and more with the technology that powers the set-top box. Apparently, portions of Google’s Android OS power the Google-enabled device. While Android has been spotted on other devices like tablets and netbooks (or, so-called smartbooks), a move to the embedded device space could be huge.

As consumer electronics rapidly shift toward connectivity (hey, it might have taken us 15 years, but now everything is moving at a rapid pace), there are huge opportunities for embedded systems developers. As it stands, most embedded devices use either a custom-built kernel or a modified version of BusyBox, but Google could theoretically offer a framework that would be both free and value-rich for device makers, while also offering opportunities that impact Google’s core business.

Of course, this isn’t Google’s first foray into television. Back in 2008, Google AdWords launched Google TV Ads as a platform for companies to buy airtime in various markets. That project hasn’t been as successful as other Google ventures, but perhaps a more direct way of tying search to television would have better results.

What do you think about the possibility of having Google on your TV? Let us know!

The Google Search box in Gmail Labs makes it easy to quickly search and paste results into an email without ever clicking away. If you don’t like sidebar clutter, a button on your email toolbar now offers the same search-and-paste convenience.

If you use a script or add-on that hides your Gmail sidebar boxes, or you’d rather keep the Google Search toolbar minimized, you can now activate the bottom-right search box pop-in with the “G” button on your email composition toolbar. Hit it, search for what you need, then hit the arrow icon when you hover over a result to grab the full result text or just the URL link and paste it into your email.

Small convenience, sure, but perfect for when you’re just looking to pass on a helpful link or recommendation.