Google Nexus Player Review: GOOG Takes on Apple TV and Fire TV

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When Google (GOOG) announced the Nexus 6 phablet in mid-October it also took the wraps off another new product: the Nexus Player.

Google Nexus Player, Intro

Just as the super-sized Nexus 6 was clear shot at rival Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone 6 Plus, the Google Nexus Player was clearly designed to take on the Apple TV set-top streaming box.

The weird thing is that Google was already doing quite well in that department thanks to the incredibly cheap, compact and popular Chromecast.

However, the new Nexus Player takes the competition to the next level, adding video gaming and a voice-search remote — a la Amazon’s (AMZN) Fire TV — topping the Apple box when it comes to features while matching its $99 price tag.

Should the Google Nexus Player be on your holiday shopping list? Read our review to find out.

Google Nexus Player Review: Yet Another Tiny Black Set-Top Box

Google Nexus Player, Remote

The original Apple TV was an aluminum slab that looked very much like a slightly thinner Mac Mini. In 2010, Apple released a new Apple TV with the current familiar design: a tiny black box.

If the design seems familiar, it’s because everyone has been doing variations on the theme since Apple. Amazon’s Fire TV? A tiny black box. Roku 1,2 and 3? Little black box. Sony (SNE) Playstation TV? Another small black box.

So it’s probably no shock that the Google Nexus Player is … a little black box.

It’s round, mind you, but that doesn’t really count as being incredibly original. Compared to the Apple TV, the Nexus Player is a little wider and considerably thinner.

Like the Fire TV, Google has beefed up its set-top box.

It runs Google’s Android TV software and has a CPU with enough horsepower to play games. Like Amazon, Google has also designed an optional game controller ($40 extra) which effectively turns the Fire TV into an inexpensive gaming console. Well, it will … once more developers offer compatible games.

Google Nexus Player Review: Video Streaming

Google Nexus Player, Conclusion

As a set-top video streaming box, the primary purpose of the Google Nexus Player is to stream video on your TV.

This it does, quite effectively. However, at this stage in the game the sources of that content are limited compared to the competition. Apple has spent years cultivating relationships to grow Apple TV’s content beyond that available through the iTunes Store.

The Nexus Player is closely tied to Google Play — in fact, the voice search feature seems to ignore any other content sources when returning results, leaving the user to manually check those services. There’s Netflix (NFLX), Hulu Plus, YouTube and others but many of the apps you take for granted on Apple TV or even the Fire TV aren’t yet available.

There’s certainly no Amazon Instant video app, and unlikely to ever be one given the competition between the Google Nexus Player and Amazon’s streamer.

However, the Nexus Player also has the Chromecast’s ability to “cast” or stream content from a smartphone or tablet, opening up many other video content options for those who are willing to go to the trouble.

Google Nexus Player Review: Specs

Google Nexus Player, Android Play games

  • 1.8GHz quad-core Intel (INTC) Atom CPU and 1GB RAM
  • 8GB built-in storage
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi with MIMO support
  • Bluetooth 4.0
  • Remote control with voice search
  • HDMI out
  • 4.7-inches in diameter, 0.8-inches thick, weighs 8.3 ounces
  • Optional video game controller offered at $40

Google Nexus Player Review: Conclusion

Google Nexus Player, Wrap

Google has taken multiple shots at the living room and until last year’s Chromecast, failed to gain any traction.

With its Nexus Player, Google is going after consumers who find the Chromecast too technical, who want a complete plug-and-play solution, like the Apple TV or Fire TV and are willing to pay a little more for the convenience.

Plus, it’s throwing in the ability to play Android video games. The game selection may be thin right now, the controller may cost extra and with just 8GB of storage there isn’t room for many without having to delete and download, but it’s one major capability the Apple TV lacks.

Still not convinced that the Google Nexus Player should be the set-top box attached to your family’s TV? To sweeten the pot, until December 31 Google is offering a $20 Google Play credit with any Nexus Player purchased.

Your move, Apple.

As of this writing, Robert Martin did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.


Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2014/11/google-nexus-player-review/.

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