Google is preparing to enter the games console and smartwatch fray according to a news report in the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). “People familiar with the matter” have spoken to the newspaper and outlined plans by Google to design and market this hardware to build on the success of Android and take the fight to Apple.
The insider sources told the WSJ that Google hopes to “combat similar devices” from Apple with its upcoming games console and smartwatch and it will also release a second version of the media-streaming Nexus Q device which was seen in the pipeline but never previously released. With its own console in development Google has been keenly watching the OUYA launch this week. At least one of Google’s new hardware products listed above will be launched this autumn when we expect to see ‘Key Lime Pie’ launched.
It's more of a cake than a pie
Interestingly, sources say that this new Android OS will be “better tailored to the lower-cost smartphones prevalent in developing countries” according to the WSJ. As well as the high end Moto X phone Google has been “developing low-cost Android smartphones of its own”, probably aimed at developing markets. Beyond its traditional smartphone markets the next Android OS will be pushed towards usage in a wider range of computing and household devices. HP is said to be developing a range of Android laptops using the ‘Key Lime Pie’ Android OS.
It never arrived...
So it looks like Google isn’t putting all its eggs in one basket, in terms of wearable tech, with the Google Glass spectacles. A smartwatch designed by Mountain View is in development. With several other Android console players already launched and announced it will be interesting to see what Google will introduce as a unique selling point in its own effort. Finally a market-ready version of the Nexus Q may be coming out. The original version, reviewed by Engadget last year, was judged to be a “high-priced novelty”, less flexible than the Apple TV competitor.
