Google's I/O conference has ended and we are still pleasantly surprised for what we got in the three-day long event.
On one hand, Google has unveiled some predicted products like a new Android operating system called "Jelly Bean," a headgear called Project Glass, and on the other, it has given us some unexpected products like a brand-new tablet Nexus 7 and an orb-shaped media streaming hub called Nexus Q.
Google calls Nexus Q "the first social streaming media player" as guests at your place can also play songs, "Q-up" them and can even remove them from the playlist.
The new Nexus Q is Google's smart response to the Apple TV, but can it really make any impact on the media streaming stalwart? While some believe it can, most reviewers think it was a lame attempt from Google to pull down Apple and the latest device will not be able to stand against the Cupertino's hub.
Check out the top reasons why Google will lose this game to Apple.
Limited Services
The first and foremost hitch with the latest Nexus Q is that its service is limited within the Android gizmos. The media streaming hub functions within Google Play, Google's music, movie, and TV market and there's no room for Netflix, Hulu Plus, MLB.TV or NBA Game Time, HBO Go or any other third-party non-Google app.
On the other hand, the Nexus Q competitor, Apple TV has access to iTunes, Netflix, YouTube and other content sources (no Hulu Plus).
Media Streaming
With Apple TV you can have access to a wide spectrum of content from iTunes, YouTube, and AirPlay to stream media from your iOS device to your Apple TV. To listen to music you can stream content from Pandora, Rdio, etc. You can also use your iPad and iPhone to function as a dual screen for gaming.
On the other hand, to listen to music or watching videos using your Q device, you can surf only YouTube and Google Music and content that you purchased from Play Store. Nexus Q cannot steam media from any other sources including your PC. But the Play Store has started offering video content just before the launch of the Q; therefore, one has to buy all videos from Google.
Price
Google latest device is certainly a drool-worthy luxury device that comes in spherical shape and with LED ring which are gorgeous and make it far more attractive than the boxy Apple TV. But the price tag of $300 is very expensive when compared to the $100 Apple TV.
Future Doomed for Nexus Q?
Just $200 cheaper and Google Nexus Q could have had a better future in the market. But as of now, Google's attempt is appreciated but it has failed against Apple. And, let's not forget, there are quite a good number of media streaming devices available in the market. The list includes heavyweights like Microsoft' Xbox (approaching 70 million users), Roku Box and more. These devices have already established themselves in the entertainment center.
Meanwhile, if rumors about launching Apple's own TV with features like Siri, AirPlay and iOS and iTunes support turn out to be real, not only Q but most competitor will be crushed in the streaming competition.
What do you think? Is there a future for the Nexus Q? Let us know in the comments section below.
