Google is said to be ramping up its product range to compete with Apple, including an official Android gaming console, a smartwatch and a reboot of the Nexus Q hub, according to reports.
The word comes via the Wall Street Journal, which cites sources ‘familiar with the matter’ who allege Google is following in Microsoft’s footsteps and transitioning into hardware development as well as creating software and commissioning devices from partner OEMs.
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These sources explicitly outed the development of both an Android gaming console and a ‘digital wrist watch’, each powered by the Android operating system.
It’s also been suggested Google is seeking to revive the Nexus Q device with a follow up model. The Nexus Q was spotted in development in 2012 but Google did not release it to retail. The original Nexus Q was designed as a multimedia and music streaming hub synced up to Google Play but the company pulled it at the last minute saying: ‘we decided to postpone the consumer launch of Nexus Q while we work on making it even better.’ The new report states the revamped Nexus Q will be cheaper than its predecessor too.
A recent FCC certification also supports this idea as it showed a Google branded ‘media player’.
The WSJ’s sources say that Google has begun developing a console as it expects that ‘rival Apple will launch a videogame console as part of its next Apple TV product release,’ while also noting the popularity of third-party Android consoles such as Ouya and MOJO.
The smartwatch, which could feasibly carry Nexus branding, will be able to connect to smartphones via Bluetooth just as has been reported for many competing smartwatchs solutions, such as Sony’s Smartwatch 2, Samsung’s Galaxy smartwatch and Apple’s iWatch.
At least one of these three devices is pegged for a launch during the Autumn in tandem with the next Android build. Reports suggest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean will come in mid-July while others claim Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie will land in October.
The question occurs: why doesn't Google just turn the Nexus Q into a gaming console and kill two birds with one stone?
by pbriden via Featured Articles
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