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If you’re waiting to purchase ASUS’ unique crack at the Google TV game — the ASUS CUBE — listen up. The ASUS CUBE release date is set for April 23rd (for $140, mind you), but you won’t have to wait quite that long to see the device unboxed on video. Edgar from GTVSource.com has the unit in hand, and has taken on the obligatory honor of freeing it from the cardboard shell that keeps it nice and cozy.
Early thoughts are that the device appears much bigger than most Google TV units do, but that’s largely due to its unusual cube shape as opposed to the typical flat set-top box design we’re used to. That said, the ASUS CUBE isn’t quite as big as some promo images would have you believe. It shouldn’t overpower the space of your entertainment center unless you didn’t have much room to work with in the first place.
Alongside the unit itself we’re given a look at the double-sided remote, one that doesn’t come with the traditional number pad. Take that little caveat for what you will, but it’s something that can be a bit of an annoyance if you just want to go back to the good ol’ days of basic channel surfing. Grab a look at the full unboxing video above and be sure to read the rest of Edgar’s impressions over at GTVSource.com. Be on the lookout for a full review sometime soon!
A remote without numbers? OK, I’m happy to pay for this using a credit card without numbers.
FWIW, the Hisense Pulse doesn’t have a number pad either.
Way too big…
I wonder how much space is actually used inside…
Yeah, it could definitely be smaller. It looks as if they just did it so it would fit the name, which was probably chosen by the Marketing guys. On the positive side, it probably won’t have overheating issues, as have been voiced by Vizio Co-Star owners. It’s also as if they wanted to change the personality of the GTV devices from something you can hide out of sight, to something you display proudly as a showpiece.
I want to buy this, but I don’t know if it’s worth waiting until after I/O to see what Google TV treats are announced then.
Buy it and keep the packaging. I/O is within the 30 day return window so if nothing groundbreaking is announced, you’ll already have your Cube!
For some reason I thought the Asus Cube would be much smaller than it is. Also, I noticed the remote has the Nexus ‘X’ logo on it…is the Cube part of the Nexus family?
No its not… that was brought up when it was leaked a long time ago.. seems more like they did it to be a cool way of having the standard 4 color buttons
The remote on the Sony one (NSZ-GS7) is the best ever…. seriously wish I could get dual IR blasters.
Its a Better Remote… same capabilities… so why get the Cube?
At time index 4:16 it was mentioned that No Google TV (remote) has back lit keys. Sorry, but both Sony remotes, the NSG-MR5U and voice activated NSG-MR7U, have back lit keys. As for the Cube, it’s just too big at first view (when compared to other GTV devices).
The price is ridiculous. Thats Boxee box territory. $140 is a no go.
If the mic is fast at recognizing when your saying numbers who needs the number pad. just say go to channel 55 and your good. That is heavily contingent on fast and responsive voice recognition.
OK…..What does this thing do? I don’t have 7 minutes to waste on the video.