While we haven’t yet seen a Google TV running a stripped-down version of Android, 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 in the first half of 2014.The TV-connected hardware will have a heavy focus on games. According to reports, it is currently known to run Android games and apps with a touchscreen controller, without any support for live TV. It is expected that a box will be capable of streaming internet video and controlled by phone or tablet, which would fit into Google's ecosystem nicely. And it would also help Google get an advertising foothold in home entertainment segment. The Nexus brand indicates aggressive pricing, which would further give it a strong foundation.
Will it still be called Google TV?
Earlier this year, Google made its living room entertainment unit more interactive with Chromecast. The device is essentially a small $35 (Rs 2,060 approx) HDMI dongle that allows users to stream videos from almost any device, be it a phone, tablet or laptop, directly to their TV. Chromecast has been accepted widely by users and there are several apps which extend its functionality to beyond the officially supported apps.
However, the set-top box, if it materialises, could be Google's answer to forthcoming announcements by Apple and Microsoft, both of whome are set to make a big splace in the home entertainment space next year. Google will also have to step up efforts to compete with players like Ouya, GameStick not to mention, gaming heavyweights Sony and Microsoft in the console space.
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