Google Announces a Gaming Console/HTPC
Specs:
1.8GHz Quad core Intel Atom with PowerVR 6 series GPU. (Most likely the Atom Z2460 which means the GPU is a G5430, the same as the iPhone 5S).
1GB of RAM
8GB of local storage.
Ports:
HDMI out
MicroUSB 2.0
Wireless connectivity:
Wireless AC
Bluetooth 4.1
NO ETHERNET PORT (Why the hell not Google?)
Size and weight:
12cm in diameter and 2cm tall.
Weighs 235 grams.
Key Features:
Comes with a remote which allows for voice commands (button for it can be seen in the image above).
Looks like it will have the Android TV interface.
Supports Google Cast, so any ChromeCast app will be able to beam to it.
Syncs your content across all your devices.
Pre-orders start on October 17th.
No words on pricing yet.
Looks like it's made by Asus (or at least the controller is).
It does NOT come with the controller you see in the picture.
My opinion:
This looks like Google's attempt at making an OUYA. I actually really like the concept of the OUYA although the Tegra 3 it shipped with was not powerful enough for my needs.
If this costs ~99 dollars or less then I can see it being a big hit. Price is a huge factor though, and it will most certainly decide the fate of this.
For me, it needs to be able to play emulators and by Chinese cartoons (more demanding than you might think). If it does that and it is cheap then I'll really like it.
Edit: Other people in the thread have bought up two interesting ideas.
1) Steam in-home streaming. If someone manages to get it running on this then that would be fantastic (assuming the price is low which I think it will be).
2) Running Windows on it. I doubt this will happen but you never know.
For those of you who are interested in what the UI looks like here is a (pretty old) video about Android TV which also shows off the controller. Android TV is the OS this little box is running.
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