“Nexus TV” set top box rumors return, point to first half of 2014
It’s safe to say that Google’s conquest of taking over your living room hasn’t been all that successful. For all the promise it showed on paper, the Google TV platform never really took off for multiple reasons, such as often the cost of the device in comparison with other competitors, like the Roku, the ecosystem and the interface. So when the Chromecast was released and sold like hotcakes, many wondered if this was the end of the Google TV platform.
However, Google always said that it wasn’t, and rumors are once again swirling of a “Nexus TV” set top box that would release in the first half of 2014. The talk earlier this year was that Andy Rubin showed off a prototype at CES, with rumored features including a three-dimensional motion sensor, like a Kinect, with a heavy focus on simplicity in using the device, possibly with your phone. Personally, I’d put a bet on an “always listening” mode, too. Google’s done a great job with it in a limited way on the Google Experience Launcher on the Nexus 5, and in particular Motorola’s implementation of it on the Moto X. Honestly, the way I see it, the best interface on a TV would be voice.
We’re not quite sure about the content aspect of it, though I expect all the major online services that signed up for the Chromecast would be happy to join. In fact, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the set-top box also acts as a Chromecast receiver, allowing you to push content from your phone to the TV in the same manner as with the dongle. There should also be a few apps and games.