Nexus Player
Developer | Google, Asus |
---|---|
Manufacturer | Asus |
Type | Digital media player, set-top box, microconsole |
Release date | November 3, 2014 |
Introductory price | |
Discontinued | May 24, 2016 |
Operating system | Android 7.0 "Nougat" |
CPU |
1.8 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 Imagination PowerVR G6430 Graphics 2D/3D Engine |
Memory | 1 GB |
Storage | 8 GB |
Input | Android phones/tablets, Android Wear, Nexus Player remote, Asus Gamepad |
Connectivity |
|
Online services | |
Dimensions |
120 mm (4.7 in) radius 20 mm (0.79 in) H |
Weight | 235 g (8.3 oz) |
Predecessor | Nexus Q |
Website |
www |
The Nexus Player is a digital media player co-developed by Google and Asus. It is the second media player in the Google Nexus family of consumer devices. Running the Android 6.0 ("Marshmallow") operating system, it is the first device to employ the Android TV platform. The Nexus player supports Google Cast, the feature for selecting and controlling media playback on a television that was first introduced by Chromecast. On May 24, 2016, Google discontinued the Nexus Player.[1]
Release
The Nexus Player was unveiled on October 15, 2014, and made available for pre-order two days later on the Google Play Store for $99,[2] and later made available for purchase at retail stores in the US.[3]
Hardware
It is powered by a 1.8 GHz quad-core Intel Atom Z3560 processor with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of internal storage.[4]
Remote control
The Nexus Player comes bundled with a Bluetooth remote control, with a direction pad & middle enter button, a back, home and play/pause button. It also features a button to activate the Google Search application to search for content by speaking through the remote's built-in microphone. The device can also be controlled by any Android smartphone with Google Play services. The app also features an Android Wear counterpart to allow remote input from compatible smartwatches.
Features
The Nexus Player and Android TV allows consumers to use an HDTV set to play music, watch video originating from Internet services or a local network, and play games (Emulators and Android Games). The primary interface is interacted with using a remote with a D-pad dial and 5 buttons. The remote also includes a microphone for voice search functions within supported apps and the main system interface. Android TV can be paired with Bluetooth gaming controllers to interact with the system interface / applications, as well as, playing games. Android TV also includes all features and streaming capabilities of the Chromecast device.
- Users can access the Google Play store directly through the user interface to rent / buy movies, TV shows and stream play music.
- Live Channels by Google allows users to stream from media sources including the HDHomeRun TV tuner with TV Guide functionality
- Kodi allows users to access a host of applications and content available through Kodi (formerly XBMC)
- Netflix
- Hulu Plus
- YouTube
- TED
- HDHomeRun App
- VLC media player
- FX Now
- Sling TV
- Disney Movies Anywhere
- Crackle
- Epix
- Plex
- HGTV Watch
- PBS Kids Video
- CNET
- CBS News
- Bloomberg TV+
- HuffPost Live for Android TV
- TuneIn Radio
- iHeartRadio
- Songza TV
- CBS Sports
- Red Bull TV
- MLB.TV
- Vevo
- Showtime
FCC difficulties
During its initial days on sale, Nexus Player was pulled from the Google Play Store because it had not passed FCC certification.[5] Two days later, the device returned to the Play Store after receiving said certification.
See also
- Apple TV, a similar product from Apple Inc
- Roku 3, a similar product from Roku Inc
- Amazon Fire TV, a similar product from Amazon.com
References
- ↑ Google confirms the Nexus Player has been discontinued
- ↑ Martonik, Andrew (October 17, 2014). "Nexus 6, 9 and Player arrive in Google Play, orders live for 9 and Player". Android Central. Retrieved October 17, 2014.
- ↑ "The Nexus Player Is Now Available At US Retailers: Best Buy, Newegg, And Amazon". Android Police. January 25, 2015. Retrieved January 26, 2015.
- ↑ "Nexus Player". Google. Google Inc. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
- ↑ Spradlin, Liam. "Google's Nexus Player Hasn't Passed FCC Certification Yet, 'Out Of Inventory' On The US Play Store".