Google Nexus Q Review
The Nexus Q connects Google Play’s music and movie services to your TV. But, wait: Google has delayed the Q until it can “make it better” – what are people missing out on?
Google Nexus Q Features:
- Unlike with Bluetooth or AirPlay, you’re not streaming to the Google Nexus Q from your mobile device – you just tell it what to retrieve from the cloud via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Pick up another Google Nexus Q, and it’s easy to set up simple multi-room audio – and not a Sonos in sight.
- The Nexus Q is a media streamer similar to the Boxee Box or Apple TV, but all its music and movies come from the cloud – that includes any you upload yourself. It’s exclusively Android-app-controlled. Sorry, iUsers.
- The Nexus Q’s unusual spherical shape is an eye-pleaser. Above a ring of pulsing LEDs, the top half rotates to control volume, and mutes if you tap it. The integrated 25W digital amp will power a pair of hi-fi speakers via standard-issue ‘banana’ jacks.
- It’s always a party round at your house, and the Nexus Q’s Guest Mode lets anyone signed into your Wi-Fi network add tracks to the playlist. Yes, Spotify can do this, but the Nexus Q allows you to quickly (and subtly) revert back to your original playlist.
- Setup looks to be pretty simple, thanks to contactless NFC skills: just tap your phone/tablet on top of the Nexus Q, and you’ll establish a connection. Sync your iTunes or Windows Media library to Google Play, and it’ll even keep your playlists intact.
- Sadly, it could be some time before this is available. In early August Google announced it was holding off on the Nexus Q until it had fixed a few things, but people who had pre-ordered were sent a free unit. What the next iteration might be like we can only speculate.
Tech Specifications
CPU dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 (5GX540GPU)
RAM 1GB
STORAGE 16GB
OS Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
CONNECTIVITY Micro HDMI, optical audio, Ethernet, microUSB, ‘banana’ speaker jacks, Wi-Fi
AMP a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, NFC
Google Nexus Q Alternative:
Apple TV
Cheaper, yes – but without an amp, it’s an exobrain for your TV, not a potential hi-fi replacement. Still, the advantage here is that you can actually buy it.
[box type=”info”]Guest post by Kashif raza, professional guest blogger and tech enthusiast. He also writes for bestiphone5apps.us, features best apps, games, news, rumors, and everything about new iphone 5. [/box]
Richard
November 12, 2012 at 19:11
Looks stunning!