Google introduces first Android TV device: the Nexus Player
Google not only unveiled a new Nexus tablet and a new Nexus smartphone today, but a new streaming media device, as well. The Nexus Player by ASUS will retail for $99, and is the first commercially available Android TV device, coming four months after the new TV platform was first unveiled at Google I/O.
So what is the Nexus Player? It’s a cross between Google TV and a Chromecast – all in nice, round package. You can stream things just the way you want – either using the Google Cast protocol, or using the intuitive on-screen user interface.
Most of the major streaming apps are on board, including Netflix, PBS, YouTube, Hulu Plus, Pandora, Google Play Movies, Google Play Music, HGTV, Food Network, Crackle, TED, and more – but Amazon is surprisingly absent, given its presence on Google TV and its recent migration over to many Android phones, as well.
There is an optional gaming controller, so it will be interesting to see what kinds of games will be available at release and in the future. There are also a few other nifty features, like the ability to start a movie on your TV and resume where you left off on another Android device.
Specs are somewhat underwhelming, featuring an Intel Atom processor, 1GB of RAM, and 8GB of internal storage, but maybe this will be sufficient for the device.
Anyone planning on picking one up?
[Google]
