Google Is Developing Android Game Console
Google Inc. is developing a videogame console and digital wrist watch powered by its Android operating system, according to people familiar with the matter, as the Internet company seeks to spread the softwares domination beyond smartphones and tablets and cement build the company s reputation as a hardware maker.
With the watch and game console, Google is hoping to combat similar devices that Apple Inc. may release in the future, according to the people familiar with the matter.
Google is also preparing to release a second version of a Web-connected, Android-powered media-playing device, called Nexus Q, that was unveiled last year but not sold to the public, these people said.
The Internet giant hopes to design and market the devices itself and release at least one of them this fall, they added.
A Google spokeswoman declined to comment.
The hardware plans are the latest sign of Googles determination to build on the success of Android, the software it launched in 2008 that powered 75% of all smartphones and 56.5% of tablets shipped globally in the first quarter, according to the research firm IDC.
Games that run on Android software have proved particularly popular, and they are growing much more quickly than games made for the big-name consoles supplied by Microsoft Corp., Sony Corp. and Nintendo Co. The appeal of such games has prompted the development of new devices aimed specifically for Android by other hardware companies.
The people briefed on the matter said Google is reacting in part to expectations that rival Apple will launch a videogame console as part of its next Apple TV product release.
An Apple spokeswoman declined to comment.
Google has also been watching the efforts of Ouya Inc., a startup that this week began selling a $99 Android-based console and game controller, one of these people said.
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Google Is Developing Android Game Console - WSJ.com
Report: Google developing an Android-powered console
By Dave Tach on Jun 27, 2013 at 6:11p @dptach
Google is developing an Android-powered gaming console, the Wall Street Journal reports citing "people familiar with the matter."
The company is also developing an Android-powered, internet-connected wrist watch and is aiming to release one of the devices this fall. The sources frame the devices as anticipatory measures designed to compete with Apple, which Google apparently believes may release a console component with its next Apple TV as well as a watch.
During its WWDC 2013 keynote presentation earlier this month, Apple revealed that iOS 7, the upcoming version of the operating system that powers the iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, would support third-party game controllers.
Android, Google's mobile and tablet operating system, already powers a handful of micro-consoles, including the just-launched Ouya and PlayJam's GameStick. According to the Wall Street Journal, Google plans to design and market the console and watch itself. For more on the third-party Android-based consoles, be sure to check out Polygon's coverage from CES 2013.
Report: Google developing an Android-powered console | Polygon
If any of you nikkaz bought an Ouya this week.....
All of the various wannabe Android/iOS mini-consoles (Madcatz's Project M.O.J.O., Bluestacks's Gamepop, Unu Tablet, Nvidia Shield, & etc.) that have been announced this year are dead before arrival, If Google & Apple are coming out with their own consoles.



