Among the announcements today at Google I/O, the most surprising had to be the introduction of the Google Nexus Q. Google bills this as the ‘first social streaming device’. The Nexus Q is an Android powered computer, which connects to your speakers, TV or AVR (audio visual receiver). The 25 watt amp enables the Nexus Q to drive sound, without the need for added peripheral devices. As for content, it will support streaming of music and videos from any Android device. Here’s where the social aspect of the device comes into play. If you have a group of friends, any of whom have Android devices, they can all start streaming to the Nexus Q. Want to watch a movie that is on a friend’s device, they can immediately connect to the Q and start playback. Similar features are available with audio.
The Nexus Q is made in america. No really, it’s made in america. It’s not often you find a new piece of major electronics that hasn’t been outsourced somewhere other then the US of A.
For those balking at the price, consider the fact it’s $200 less than the Sonos: Connect Amp. Google should provide cross-platform support for the Nexus Q. The amp isn’t on par with the Sonos connect, but it could be competitive in that space if support expanded outside of the Android ecosystem. That support could come through other means once this thing gets hacked in 3…2…1.
The price of the Nexus Q is $299 and it ships in mid-July.
