Google to launch Android Powered Nexus TV or Set Top Box in 2014
A new report says a Nexus-branded
set-top-box is incoming. Information magazine has the story of Google's plans to launch a set-top box or a TV in the first half of 2014.
The Information is citing an
anonymous Google employee as saying that there is in fact a Nexus TV in
the works, and that Google is aiming to release the device in the first
half of 2014. There is also talk that Google may be abandoning the idea
of Google TV controlling and searching live TV, likely because that was
one feature that had no support. The report says that Google
showed off the device to developers sometime this fall, and it included
the touchpad integrated remote .
The new device was originally said to offer a Kinect movement
sensor, but today’s news doesn’t mention that. It is noted to have a
touchpad remote sold alongside the device, which is a strange departure.
If this proves to be accurate, Google will have a Chromecast, Google
TV, and this Nexus TV device all set for the living room.
The report mentions that the device would offer a selection of games,
but doesn’t note if the full library offered via the Play Store would be
available. If so, the Nexus TV seems to step on more toes, as devices like Shield or Ouya try to find a home with Android gaming fans.We should also note that this is another in a long line of reports surrounding Google’s Android set-top box efforts. Andy Rubin was said to had shown off a device of this kind behind closed doors at CES. We have, to date, seen no official mention of this effort by Google. While we like the idea of an Android set-top device.So we have wait & watch.