Google Nexus Q: The first "Social Streaming" device » YugaTech

Google Nexus Q: The first “Social Streaming” device

Weâ€™ve recently posted an article about Google’s new feature-packed and very affordable flagship device in the form of the Nexus 7. Along with the tablet, Google has unveiled a very innovative accessory which will certainly be a good addition to what seems to be an already great device (or any Android device for that matter) — the Google Nexus Q.

At a glance, one canâ€™t really determine what this spherical piece of device is capable of. But donâ€™t let its simplicity fool you as this orb-like accessory has the potential to redefine your living room.

Dubbed by Google as Project Tungsten, the Nexus Q is basically a sophisticated spherical speaker which also does certain things that you donâ€™t usually get out of an ordinary set of speakers. If that description is too vague for you, maybe a glimpse in to some of innards will paint a clearer picture.

Google Nexus Q specs:
TI OMAP 4460 1.2Ghz dual-core processor
1GB RAM
16GB Storage (Non-expandable)
25MW Built-in Amplifier
Android 4.0 (ICS)
Backwards compatible for devices 2.3 and up
Dual-band Wi-Fi
NFC
Bluetooth (Not Sure what Version)
Micro-USB port
Ethernet Port
4 A/V ports
4.6â€ in diameter

Just by merely looking at the processor, my outdated Nexus S wouldâ€™ve been embarrassed to be anywhere near this thing. So now that we have an idea what is inside this speaker from the future, weâ€™ll let you in on its features.

Aside from being a cool-looking speaker, the Nexus Q is also the first social streaming device. Unlike other speakers before it, this â€œCloud-connected jukeboxâ€ takes full advantage of Google’s Music app to play media.

In a nutshell, your Android device only acts as a controller in order to select which file/s in your account to play and the device takes care of the rest. Unlike other similar device before it, the Nexus Q is not dependent on the host device to be able to play media contents.

Another good thing about it is that your Android-using-friends connected to the Nexus Q can also get in on the act by having the capability to choose and/or add media to the playlist. And by having A/V out ports you can stream your favorite clips on your TV set.

You can watch this short video presentation that demonstrate how this works:

The only downside for now about this device is that it only supports Google apps (For now at least) unlike Apple TV/AirPlay who has support for 3rd-party app. Our guess is that it wouldnâ€™t take that long before 3rd-party developers can come up with a way to port their apps to this neat piece of hardware.

Of course as with any ground-breaking device, it will come in on a bit of a hefty price tag. The Google Nexus Q sells for $299PHP 17,547INR 25,340EUR 285CNY 2,176 and is already available via Google Play Store (which is unfortunately not available in our country yet) and will ship along on mid-July. But considering the amount of work put in to the marvelous design of the â€œsocial-streaming deviceâ€ and the components inside of it, dishing out around PhP 13USD 0.22INR 19EUR 0.21CNY 2â€™000 for this maybe isnâ€™t a bad idea.

{ photo credit }

Ronnie Bulaong

This article was written by Ronnie Bulaong, a special features contributor and correspondent for YugaTech. Follow him on Twitter @turonbulaong.

https://www.yugatech.com

5 Comments

kenth says:

12 years ago

How is the sound quality of this device sir abe?
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Zo says:

12 years ago

I think they just introduced this during day 1 of Google I/O and so not many have had the chance to test it’s sound quality.

But that design is bad a$$ to say the least. :D
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Kevin says:

12 years ago

The design is Philippine-inspired, from the yummy “calamay” shells of Bohol don’t you think? And the whole thing is 100% Made in the USA, unlike some gadgets out there that are Chinese Foxconn Factory made. I would gladly buy this one if it becomes available here in our side of the West Philppine Sea. From now on, I would be very conscious of NOT buying Made in China, if possible. Geez, I hope there’s a civil unrest in the mainland (wishful thinking). I know this post is only 10% tech related but what the hell: YUCK FOU CHINA! (Sorry Sir Abe, I’m just feeling nationalistic)
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Lau Beruin says:

12 years ago

is that the nexus 7? that tablet in the video?
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Lau Beruin says:

12 years ago

is that the nexus 7 white version? that tablet in the video?
- Reply